Senator Monica R. Martinez Criminalizes Sextortion State-Wide

(ALBANY, NY); On May 14, Senator Monica R. Martinez, (D-Brentwood) alongside her colleagues in the State Senate passed bill S.4345, which will establish protections for victims of sextortion by expanding the definition of coercion.

Currently, under law, the production or dissemination of intimate images is not included as part of the coercion law. Individuals who coerce another person into producing or sharing intimate images under threat of physical or emotional harm must be held accountable, and today we take another step forward to ensure that this happens. Additionally, expanding the definition of a "sex offense" to include coercion in the second degree will allow for the appropriate punishment of offenders, and offer greater, comprehensive protection for victims.

“No individual should have to suffer the emotional, physical and mental distress due to the dissemination of private, intimate images by perpetrators. The passage of this legislation sends yet another a strong message that this type of egregious behavior will no longer be tolerated in the State of New York,” stated Senator Martinez.

“Sexual coercion is a serious violation of privacy and dignity. This bill expands our coercion laws by including the production and dissemination of intimate images, which unfortunately reflect incidents we have seen in our State.  Individuals that exploit victims through harassment, humiliation and extortion must be held accountable. These crimes have serious consequences on victims’ lives and often leads to irreversible damage.” Said Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski

“Sextortion is a serious crime that can have a devastating, sometimes even fatal, impact on victims. This legislation provides a necessary tool for law enforcement to effectively protect victims and prosecute their abusers. I commend Sen. Martinez for continuing to advocate for legislation in New York State to hold anyone engaging in these heinous sexual offenses accountable.” Said Suffolk County District Attorney, Tim Sini 

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