A Pennsylvania high school senior was taken into custody Friday, facing more than 300 felony charges in connection with an alleged widespread sextortion and online deception scheme targeting at least 21 underage victims.
Authorities say Zachariah Abraham Meyers, 18, of McMurray, used social media to lure minors and pressure them into sharing sexually explicit material.
Meyers, a senior at Peters Township High School, allegedly created fake online profiles, including one posing as an adult film actress, to communicate with teenage boys between the ages of 14 and 17.
Investigators reported that at least 30 juveniles were interviewed during the probe, with 21 confirmed victims allegedly manipulated as part of the operation.
According to court filings, Meyers reportedly threatened victims with the release of explicit content to family members unless they complied with his demands, occasionally asking for money in exchange for silence.
One complaint states that after a victim refused to pay $500, a sister received a nude image of her brother.
In a separate incident, a 15-year-old was allegedly coerced into engaging in sexual acts with adults via dating apps under Meyers’ guidance, according to Us Weekly.
Investigators also claim Meyers instructed some teens to secretly record their high school wrestling teammates in locker rooms.
Videos recovered from his devices allegedly depict multiple students partially undressed, including in underwear, according to court documents.
Police traced the online accounts back to Meyers before executing a search warrant at his home on Windermere Court Friday morning.
He was arrested, arraigned before District Judge Phillippe Melograne, and denied bail.
Authorities listed him as a flight risk and a danger to the community, and he remains in Washington County Prison pending a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 27, according to Fox News.
Meyers’ mother told local media that her son had no prior criminal record, describing him as an honor student, class president, and member of the volleyball team.
His defense attorney, Lisle T. Weaver, said the affidavit of probable cause is being reviewed and preparations for the preliminary hearing are underway.
“To comment on anything additional at this time would be inappropriate from any party involved,” Weaver said.
The Peters Township School District confirmed that authorities notified officials of the arrest and ongoing investigation.
“Police have indicated that there is no immediate safety risk to our schools, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation,” the district said in a statement, according to the Observer-Reporter. “The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority, and we appreciate all the efforts of the Peters Township Police in this matter.”
Authorities emphasized the gravity of the allegations, which include sexual exploitation of children, trafficking in minors, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and sexual extortion.
Evidence recovered from Meyers’ devices reportedly links him to a network of coerced activity over the past year. Investigators are continuing to identify additional victims and assess the full scope of the alleged criminal operation.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about minors’ safety online and the risks posed by social media platforms.
Law enforcement and school officials are working together to ensure students remain protected while the investigation proceeds.
Parents and communities are urged to monitor online interactions and report suspicious activity promptly.
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