Fmr Minnesota Substitute Teacher Pleads Guilty in Sextortion Case
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Twin Cities area man who was previously employed as a substitute teacher and school paraprofessional has admitted to federal charges stemming from a so-called sextortion investigation.
The US Attorney's Office for Minnesota says 25-year-old Mitchell Ottinger used fake online personas to obtain sexually explicit images and videos of both children and adults. The Carver County man was also accused of threatening to disseminate those images and videos in order to extort his victims into providing additional sexually explicit materials.
Over a period of several years, prosecutors say Ottinger victimized more than 10 children, including some children he knew from his work as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI Minneapolis division.
Ottinger pleaded guilty to two counts of production and attempted production of child provider free along with one count of interstate communication with intent to extort. His sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
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