ST. GEORGE — A growing number of Utah teens are being manipulated and extorted online, and are often too afraid to ask for help.

The crime is known as sextortion. It’s on the rise across the nation, and it’s leading to deaths among young people, including here in Utah.

The KSL Investigators spoke with experts, investigators and a St. George mother whose son was targeted.

‘It was so evil’

Like any mom, Cindy George’s eyes light up when she talks about her son.

“My favorite subject,” she said. “I would love to tell you about Jake.”

He was once a little boy with big dimples and a penchant for playing pranks on his mom. Some of her last memories of Jake include a road trip to the Grand Canyon and his excitement over receiving a cake made out of donuts.

“That was his last birthday, and

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