An 18-year-old from Peters Township High School in McMurray, Pennsylvania, has been arrested in connection with a massive "catfishing" and "sextortion" operation. Zachariah Abraham Meyers is accused of exploiting over 20 underage victims in a scheme that has sent shockwaves through the community.
Authorities have charged Meyers with more than 300 felony counts, including trafficking in minors, sexual extortion, and the creation and dissemination of child sexual abuse material. The criminal complaint details how Meyers allegedly manipulated victims aged 14 to 17, coercing them to create explicit content and, in some cases, demanding money to keep it private.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority,” stated a spokesperson from the Peters Township School District.
One particularly harrowing accusation involves Meyers allegedly forcing a 15-year-old to pose as an adult on dating apps, engaging in sexual acts with men, only to capture it on video. Additionally, court documents reveal that Meyers coerced the same victim into filming the school’s wrestling team in the locker room on multiple occasions.
Police discovered the scheme in December, with social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat being central to Meyers' manipulation. He used fake identities, pretending to be various people, including an adult film star from the Netherlands, to deceive his victims.
The Peters Township School District has expressed its commitment to student safety and cooperation with law enforcement. Meyers is currently held without bail, and authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure justice for the young victims involved in this troubling case.