House Republicans in Arizona have approved legislation that increases prison sentences for adults convicted of sexually extorting teenagers online. The bill, HB 2666, targets offenders who use digital platforms to coerce minors into sending explicit images and then threaten to share those images unless the victims comply with demands.
“Sexual extortion is hitting Arizona teens hard, and the predators behind it know exactly what they’re doing,” said Representative Pamela Carter. “They use platforms like Instagram and Discord to pressure kids for explicit images, then threaten to expose them unless they pay or comply. HB 2666 raises the penalty when an adult targets a 15-, 16-, or 17-year-old because this is exploitation, plain and simple. If you prey on teens for money or sexual favors, you should face a class 2 felony and mandatory consecutive prison time. No probation. No shortcuts. No easy way out.”
The proposed law would increase penalties for offenders aged 18 or older who knowingly target victims aged 15 to 17. Under HB 2666, such cases would be reclassified from a class 3 felony to a class 2 felony, with mandatory consecutive sentences for each offense. Existing statutes already treat sexual extortion against children under age 15 as a class 2 felony under Arizona’s dangerous crimes against children provisions.
HB 2666 will now be considered by the Arizona Senate.
Carbone, a Republican elected in 2023, represents Arizona’s 25th House District after replacing Michelle Udall.
