COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOIO) – A family whose child took his life after becoming a victim of sextortion is one step closer to justice.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, along with the FBI and a number of other officials, announced Monday there is a suspect in custody in connection to the death of Gavin Guffey.
The announcement came more than two years after Guffey, a teenager from South Carolina, took his life.
“Today, justice and accountability takes a major step forward. I hope the message is clear. You use the internet to exploit children in our state, you will be held accountable. We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean,” stated U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Adair Boroughs.
The charges against Lawal include child exploitation and cyberstalking, along with interstate threats with the intent to extort.
The suspect is accused of posing as a young woman on social media, convincing Gavin to send compromising photos.
Authorities say he then extorted and harassed the teen, threatening to release those images unless Gavin sent him money.
Even after Gavin’s death in July 2022, agents say the man tired to extort his loved ones.
Gavin’s father Brandon, a South Carolina state representative, worked tirelessly to get a law named after his son.
Gavin’s Law, which went into effect in 2023, is an effort to protect other kids and their families from ever having to go through their pain.
“No one thought that their kid was in a bad space, that this would happen. The crime just targets your deepest darkest shame, and kids don’t think that there is a way out,” expressed Brandon Guffey.
Lawal faces up to life in prison if convicted, and he must pay the family restitution.
Prosecutors say the suspect sent messages to other minors. He is due in court next week.
