A cybertip comes in from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The group identified a possible case of sextortion involving a Minnesota child.  

Jayson Wong sits down at his desk with a challenging phone call ahead of him. As a victim relations coordinator at our Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, he knows that the first step to protecting this child is calling their loved ones. 

Most times skeptical parents and family members pick up the phone, and Jayson must help them understand the credibility of his position, that what is happening or has happened is real, and that he is there to help.

He takes a deep breath and dials the number. 

“Hello, may I speak with the parent/guardian of ____? My name is Jayson Wong and I am the victim relations coordinator for the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. We are reaching out to you because we believe your child is being extorted through blackmail threats regarding explicit sexual images or videos.”

It sounds like a spam call. 

But it’s not.

It’s Jayson’s job to be there for victims when they need help the most.  

Sextortion typically begins online, through social media, gaming platforms or messaging apps. Perpetrators — often pretending to be someone else — manipulate or coerce kids into sharing explicit content, then use threats to manipulate them and continue the abuse.

Kids often feel shame, fear and confusion, which can lead them to suffer in silence. That’s where Jayson comes in — to let them know they are not alone, and that support is available. 

“The No. 1 thing is to remind them is that they did nothing wrong, and they are supported and loved. You child is a victim, and we want to avoid furthering any feelings of shame,” Jayson said. “Sextortion is a crime of deception, exaggeration and persistence that targets a person’s vulnerabilities — and it’s a crime that’s on the rise.” 

U.S. law enforcement agencies have seen a dramatic increase in cases of sexual exploitation of children. In 2018, the national Cybertipline received over 18 million reports of child sexual exploitation. In 2023, that number doubled to over 36 million reports. 

Jayson and other crime victim coordinators help child victims and their families understand what is happening. He is a liaison with law enforcement but is involved to focus on the victim and their needs. “These crimes often cause a lot of emotional distress and we can help victims by letting them know they are not alone,” Jayson said.

Jayson also helps refer victims and their families to counseling services, trauma-informed care providers or a network of community resources to rebuild their lives. 

Jayson works to shift the dynamic of these situations. He helps victims reclaim their voice, heal and seek justice using empathy, empowerment and education.

“Reporting can feel scary but it can be the first step to reclaiming power,” Jayson said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sextortion, there are professionals like Jayson behind the scenes ready to support, guide and stand with victims every step of the way — and it all starts with a phone call.