TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa police arrested a man accused of extorting a teenage girl with sexually explicit images of her online.
Christopher Patrinostro, 19, was arrested Wednesday at his home in Brandon, the Tampa Police Department said in a news release. He's reportedly being charged with extortion, promotion of a sexual performance by a child, use of a computer to solicit illegal acts and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Patrinostro was arrested after the 16-year-old girl reported the offense to police, the department said. She reportedly told Tampa PD Patrinostro reached out online before sending nude images of her, threatening to leak them if she didn't send him more.
Detectives began investigating after receiving the teen's report, Tampa PD said. After gathering enough evidence, they identified Patrinostro as the suspect and arrested him.
Working alongside the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa police seized all of the 19-year-old's devices, authorities said.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw commended the teen's "courage" to report the crime in the release.
“The detectives who make up our ICAC Squad are committed to pursuing these offenders and holding them accountable," Bercaw said in a statement. "This is also a stark reminder of the importance of online safety, especially for our young people.”
Patrinostro is currently booked at Orient Road Jail, according to police.
