BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — An Ivory Coast man has been indicted with participating in an alleged sextortion group that caused the suicide of a North Dakota teenager. United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced the indictment, which was made by a federal grand jury, of a 23-year-old man named Aly Cherif. He has been charged with the following counts: Cyberstalking Resulting in Death Wire Fraud Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Extortion Distribution of Child Pornography According to the press release from the United States Department of Justice, Cherif, along with other people from Ivory Coast, participated in a sextortion group that targeted victims from around the world. "Sextortion" refers to a scheme in which people use intimate or sexual photos or videos to coerce people to send money in exchange for the promise to not release the photos and videos. In some cases, the scheme involves the sextortioners using false claims or posing as other people to induce their victims into sending photos or videos of themselves. Cherif and the others in the group allegedly used public photos of a woman to pose as a 20-year-old named Emily Thompson from Montana. They contacted the teenager, a minor, through Facebook, and obtained photographs and a video recording of the victim engaging in a private, intimate, or sexual act. They then used extortion to try and force the victim to pay them money. Hoeven votes to advance law protecting newborns who survive abortions, bill fails When the teenager told the sextortioners posing as "Emily Thompson" that they did not have any money to give, the sextortion group released photos of the minor's genitalia on Facebook. According to the press release from the Department of Justice, the victim died by suicide shortly after. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement are committed to obtaining a measure of justice for this family,” Schneider said in the press release. “The indictment alleges greed, deception, and child exploitation that led to a heartrending tragedy. As we pursue justice in this case, we want to deter similar conduct and remind kids and families that help is available if they become victims of sextortion.” "This case is a stark reminder of the dangers children face online, where predators use deception and technology to exploit the most vulnerable among us," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. in the press release. "The FBI and our partners will continue working tirelessly to protect children and bring those who seek to harm them to justice." The Department of Justice reminds people that an indictment is an accusation and notice of charges. The defendant is presumed innocent under the law unless and until proven guilty. To report a sextortion scam, contact your local FBI field office at 1-800-CALL-FBI. To learn more about how to identify and prevent sextortion scams, please visit the FBI’s website. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs to access resources for sextortion victims. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW