MINNEAPOLIS - A convicted sex offender has been indicted on 26 criminal counts involving computer hacking and production of child pornography.
Federal prosecutors say 35-year-old Barton George Scott gained unauthorized access into at least 25 Snapchat accounts in an attempt to obtain sexually explicit images and videos from his victims, many of whom are juveniles. The indictment alleges Scott used extortion tactics to gain obtain those images.
Due to his use of those tactics prosecutors believe there may be more victims out there who have not reported what happened to them. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Scott is asked to call the FBI at 763-569-8000. Callers can remain anonymous.
Federal authorities say the case came about from the work of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative to combat the growing problem of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Barton Scott made his first appearance in front of a U.S. Magistrate on Tuesday.
