JBLM soldier accused of blackmailing teens for racy photos
May 4, 2012, 4:57 PM | Updated: 6:18 pm
A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier had his computers seized after the 24-year-old was identified as an accused online predator. (AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier, currently in
Afghanistan, had his computers seized after the 24-year-old
was identified as an accused online predator.
Lieutenant Ron Mead with the Washington State Patrol says
they received a call from a worried mother in Pierce County
and discovered the soldier had been exchanging racy photos
with teenage girls.
“Our investigation is still very early, but we’ve identified
10 victims all within the Pierce County area ranging in ages
from 13 to 17-years-old,” said Lieutenant Ron Mead.
He said at first, the soldier would pay the teens for the
photos, but then he started blackmailing the girls and
threatened to reveal earlier photos if they didn’t send him
more.
Mead said he’s not sure when the Army plans to send the
soldier home, but in the meantime, he has been placed on
restriction.
