Arizona lawmakers have increased the penalties for adults convicted of sexual extortion involving teenagers, according to an April 14 announcement. The new law raises the offense from a class 3 felony to a class 2 felony when the offender is at least 18 years old and targets victims aged 15, 16, or 17. Sentences in these cases must now be served consecutively with any other sentence imposed for sexual extortion.
The change aims to address concerns about adults using social media platforms to exploit minors. Representative Pamela Carter said, “Adults are using social media to trap teenagers, demand explicit images, then threaten to expose them unless they pay up or comply. That is predatory criminal conduct, and Arizona is done tolerating it. If you are an adult who sextorts a 15-, 16-, or 17-year-old, you will face a class 2 felony and consecutive prison time. No probation. No deals. No easy way out. We are putting predators on notice and putting teeth in the law.”
Under current statutes, if the victim is under age 15, sexual extortion already qualifies as a class 2 felony punishable under Arizona’s dangerous crimes against children sentencing rules.
House Bill (HB) 2666 passed unanimously in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature.
Carbone, a Republican who was elected to represent Arizona’s 25th House District in the State House in 2023 after replacing Michelle Udall according to Ballotpedia.
Supporters say that these changes send a clear message about protecting minors online and strengthening consequences for offenders.
