HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Investigators say scammers are posing as Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronsiter and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco to demand pornographic content.
The sextortion scam involves people making phone calls claiming to be local sheriffs and telling people they have a warrant out for their arrest for selling drugs, according to the Hillsborough and Pasco County Sheriff's Offices.
The alleged scammers are then demanding sexual photos and videos of people having sex "to prove they do not have drugs on them."
On Jan. 19, a 17-year-old girl reported falling victim to this scam. Investigators say she had sex with 29-year-old Denario Hicks and recorded it.
Investigators do not believe Hicks is involved in the sextortion scam, but he is facing charges for allegedly having sex with a minor.
According to the sheriff's offices, the calls are believed to be coming out of the Dominican Republic using phishing technology.
Both Sheriff Chronister and Sheriff Nocco emphasized that deputies will never call about a warrant and demand money or anything else. They advised that anyone who feels uncomfortable on a phone call believed to be from law enforcement should hang up and call 911.
"I am disgusted and outraged by the behavior of these criminals,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "As your Sheriff, I will never stand for the victimization of any of our residents. You have my word that we are using every investigative means to track down these criminals and bring them to justice."
"It is sad that in today's world, there is such evil that preys on our community," Sheriff Chris Nocco added. "I want to assure you we are doing everything in our power to bring these individuals to justice and reduce victimization in our community."
Hicks was charged with possession of child pornography, promotion of a sexual performance by a child, in-state transmission of child pornography by electronic device, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and unlawful sexual activity with a minor.