SAN JOSE, Calif. – On February 26th, 2022, the San José Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated an investigation into a West African financial sextortion scheme.
San José Police identified Jonathan Kassi as a person involved in the sextortion of a 17-year-old resident of San José, which resulted in his suicide.
SJPD ICAC Task Force Detectives subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect.
On December 15, 2022, suspect Kassi was taken into custody in Van Nuys by the Los Angeles Police Department. SJPD ICAC Task Force Detectives transported suspect Kassi to San José where he was booked at Santa Clara County Main Jail for extortion and attempted disorderly conduct – posting of a photograph or recording without consent.
Suspect Kassi sexually exploited children online utilizing the usernames “emillysmith” and “kassijonathan” on various social media applications.
NEW | San Jose: Arrest made in alleged online sextortion that preceded teen's suicidehttps://t.co/uj3YrcCidb@mercnews
— Robert Salonga (@robertsalonga) December 19, 2022
Detectives believe there could be additional victims due to the suspect’s criminal pattern and use of social media to target minors. Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving Jonathan Kassi is asked to contact Sergeant Pierce #3415 of the San José Police Department’s ICAC Unit at (408) 537-1397 or e-mail [email protected].
SPD
