BURNETT COUNTY — Community leaders, parents, and guardians are invited to attend a vital educational event addressing sextortion – a rapidly growing online threat that can affect any adolescent or adult with a digital device. The event will take place on September 10 and aims to equip families with knowledge and tools to protect their children.
Event Details:
- Date: September 10, 2025
- Time: Free dinner from 5:30 PM (while supplies last) | Presentation begins at 6:15 PM
- Cost: Free to attend
- Menu: Broasted chicken, sandwiches, green beans, lettuce salad, chips, and dessert
Featured Presenters and Expert Panel
The evening will feature powerful presentations from parents who have experienced unimaginable tragedy, sharing their stories to help protect other families:
Brittney Bird will share the heartbreaking story of her 15-year-old son Bradyn, who took his life as a result of sextortion.
John DeMay, a former law enforcement officer, will discuss the loss of his son Jordan, a typical and outgoing 17-year-old who fell victim to online sextortion plots. DeMay will describe how his son spent his final hours in fear, feeling humiliated, alone, and afraid to ask for help.
A distinguished expert panel will provide professional insights and prevention strategies:
- Special Agent Maloree Zassenhaus, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation
- Jackie Larsen, Crime Response Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation
- Special Agent Joshua A. Draeger, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation
- Detective Patrick Carlson, Burnett County Sheriff’s Department
- April Peterson, Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, Community Referral Agency, Inc.
- Katie Garrett, Registry Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Corrections
This comprehensive panel brings together law enforcement expertise, victim advocacy, and community support services to provide attendees with complete information about prevention, recognition, and response strategies.
“Every teen is vulnerable to sextortion,” organizers emphasize. “Knowledge is protection, and your presence could save a life.”
Resource Fair and Community Support
A resource fair will be available before and after the presentation, allowing attendees to connect with local organizations and gather materials to support ongoing family conversations about digital safety.
The event is made possible through the generous support of the St. Croix Tribal Health Center, Tavern League of Burnett County and Siren School District, demonstrating strong community commitment to protecting local youth.
Why This Matters
Sextortion represents one of the fastest-growing online crimes, with devastating psychological and sometimes tragic consequences for victims. This crime involves manipulating victims into producing explicit images, then using those images for blackmail. While sextortion can occur from individuals victims know – such as after a breakup or through peer bullying – it increasingly involves sophisticated online predators, often operating from other countries while pretending to be someone the victim’s own age. The threat affects children across all demographics, making community-wide education essential.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend this free educational opportunity to learn how to have these critical conversations with their children and recognize warning signs.
About Community Support
This collaborative effort brings together multiple community organizations committed to youth safety and family education. The event represents a proactive approach to addressing digital threats through education, awareness, and community support. Organizers include Youth of Burnett County Prevention Coalition, Burnett County Public Health, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of WI and Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
For more information about this event, contact Rachel McNally @ 715-791-8148 or yoburnettcounty@gmail.com.