The Minnesota Senate today passed the Judiciary and Public Safety omnibus bill, Senate File 4760, which includes Senator Andrew Lang’s (R–Olivia) provision designed to protect children from online blackmail by increasing criminal penalties for coercion and sextortion crimes.

“Sextortion is a crime devastating families across the country,” said Sen. Lang. “This bill is about accountability, awareness, and most importantly, protecting our kids. The online world can be a dangerous place for children, and if you exploit our kids, terrorize them, or cause irreversible harm, you will be held accountable.”

The legislation was inspired by the heartbreaking death of 16-year-old Carter Bremseth from Olivia. In 2021, Carter died by suicide shortly after being targeted by online criminals in Nigeria. The perpetrators posed as a woman on Instagram and coerced him into sharing private photos and then threatened to distribute them unless he sent money.

Carter’s parents, Jaime and Dan Bremseth, have been tireless advocates for this legislation and were present in the Senate Chamber today as the measure was adopted. They have also worked passionately to educate children and families about the dangers young people face online.

Under current law, coercion penalties top out at 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Senator Lang’s provision creates enhanced penalties specifically for sextortion cases that result in serious harm or death. If the coercion leads to great bodily harm, the penalty increases to up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. If the coercion leads to death, including suicide triggered by the blackmail, the penalty increases to up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.