Delaware County Review

COLUMBUS—The House Criminal Justice Committee today commenced hearings on House Bill 531, known as Braden’s Law, according to bill sponsors State Representatives Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Brian Lorenz (R-Powell). The proposed legislation aims to criminalize sextortion in Ohio.

On October 17, 2021, Olentangy High School student Braden Markus was contacted by an individual on social media who sent him lewd pictures while pretending to be a 15-year-old girl. The impersonator requested inappropriate photos from Markus in exchange. After Markus complied with the initial request, the perpetrator demanded $1,800 and threatened to release the photo on social media if he did not send the money.

“It only took 27 minutes from the initiation of the crime to push Braden Markus to take his own life,” said Lear. “As an Olentangy graduate myself, this tragedy hits home. We need Braden’s Law in Ohio to protect our children and combat sextortion.”

The offense of sextortion would apply to anyone who threatens to release, exhibit, or distribute private images of another for financial gain. The penalty for this crime begins as a third-degree felony. If the person being extorted is a minor, elderly, or disabled, the penalty rises to a first-degree felony. This includes compelling individuals to perform acts against their will, inducing them to commit offenses, obtaining additional private images, or obtaining anything of value through coercion.

Additionally, Braden's Law would require courts to conduct an expedited review of requests for digital access to a device made by a parent or guardian of a deceased minor. It also absolves cell phone carriers of liability when cooperating promptly with families of victims.

“The Markus family had to wait 10 months to get access to Braden’s phone, which held important information about the crime and his death,” said Lorenz. “This bill is a solid piece of legislation that was carefully created with the help of our Delaware County Prosecutor and Sheriff.”

Lear noted that Braden’s Law has support from prosecutors, Ohio’s Attorney General, and the Lieutenant Governor, who specifically requested that the committee expedite the bill.

Braden’s Law will continue having hearings in the House Criminal Justice Committee.