Braden's Law Approved by Governor

COLUMBUS- Braden’s Law, authored by State Representative Brian Lorenz (R-Powell), has been signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine Wednesday.

The bill, named after Braden Markus, an Olentangy High School student, will create the criminal offense of sextortion after Markus was coerced into exchanging inappropriate photos with a “girl” online and threatened with public release if he didn’t pay for the photos to not be released.

“This legislation may have been inspired out of a tragic situation, but now Ohio will have a law that will make online perpetrators thank twice about their activities,” said Lorenz. “I’m grateful that Governor DeWine has seen the need for this legislation and how it can help families in the future.”

The offense of sextortion applies 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 first-degree felony. This includes compelling individuals to perform acts against their will, inducing them to commit offenses, obtaining additional private images or anything of value through coercion.

Additionally, Braden's Law will require courts to conduct an expedited review of a request for digital access to a device made by a parent or guardian of a deceased minor. It also absolves a cell phone carrier of liability, allowing them prompt cooperation with families of victims.

Braden’s Law will go into effect in 90 days.