Pittsburgh-area teenager facing over 300 felony charges in "catfishing" and child "sextortion" scheme

A Peters Township High School senior is facing over 300 felony charges after investigators said he catfished and sextorted nearly two dozen minors. 

Zachariah Meyers, 18, is facing a slew of charges, including trafficking in minors, sexual abuse of children, sexual exploitation of children, unlawful contact with a minor and sexual extortion, in what police are calling a "catfishing" and "sextortion" scheme. 

Criminal complaint details scheme

Peters Township police said they talked to about 30 juvenile males and identified at least 21 boys ranging in age from 14 to 17 who were victimized by Meyers. Police said Meyers catfished the minors on social media by pretending to be an adult film star from the Netherlands. 

According to the criminal complaint, the victims told police that Meyers asked them to send nude photos or make pornographic videos. 

In one case, Meyers coerced a victim into filming himself having sex with two men, with Meyers saying he needed something to "keep my silence," police wrote in the criminal complaint. In another instance, police said 10 juveniles were filmed in a "private area" at Peters Township High School. 

Investigators said at least 14 teens sent pornographic images of themselves. Police said all but one of the victims believed they were talking with an "attractive young female."  

Investigation leads to high school senior

After executing a search warrant at Meyers' home on Windermere Court Friday morning, police said they took the teenager into custody.

Investigators said they searched Meyers' phone and found evidence tying him to the social media accounts that victimized the minors. 

In a statement, the Peters Township School District said it was made aware of the investigation on Friday. The district said police have indicated that there's no immediate safety risk, and the district will continue to cooperate with the investigation. 

"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority, and we appreciate all the efforts of the Peters Township Police in this matter," the statement said.

More charges "may arise," police say

Police said they seized several of Meyers' electronic devices. Meyers is currently charged with 304 felony counts, but investigators said further analysis of his devices may lead to more charges. 

The Peters Township police said the case serves as a reminder that "as a parent you can never be too careful or too interested in your child's online activity."  

Meyers is being held in the Washington County Jail without bond. 

Peters Township parent "shocked" 

Peters Township High School parents like Jason Broveck have been forced to talk with their kids about one of their peers.

"I'm shocked," Broveck said. "That's a lot, a lot of information to take in at once. It's overwhelming."

Broveck said he's had conversations with his teens about internet safety. However, through all of this, his mind still drifts to the victims. 

"Your heart breaks," Broveck said. "These kids got put in a position that they didn't want to be put in. They were forced, they were scared."