Is sexting illegal in the Navy... and now being blackmailed?

Military Law Discussions
1

I’m in the Navy and need advice. I sent a nude to a 19-year-old civilian who asked for it, but now she’s blackmailing me for $1,000. She’s saying she’ll expose me if I don’t pay. Is sexting illegal for someone in the Navy? What can I do about this blackmail? Would really appreciate some help here.

2

Sexting itself isn’t illegal in the Navy if it’s consensual, but blackmail is definitely a crime. You should report this ASAP.

3

CharlotteAmelia said:
Sexting itself isn’t illegal in the Navy if it’s consensual, but blackmail is definitely a crime. You should report this ASAP.

Thanks, but report to who? Like my chain of command, or should I go straight to NCIS?

4

CharlotteAmelia said:
Sexting itself isn’t illegal in the Navy if it’s consensual, but blackmail is definitely a crime. You should report this ASAP.

Start with your chain of command or your unit’s legal office. They can guide you. If it’s serious, NCIS might get involved too.

5

Be careful with this. Even if sexting isn’t illegal, they might say you acted irresponsibly since it opened you up to blackmail.

6

Adi said:
Be careful with this. Even if sexting isn’t illegal, they might say you acted irresponsibly since it opened you up to blackmail.

Yeah, I’m worried about that. Do you think I’ll get in trouble even though I have proof she asked for it?

7

Adi said:
Be careful with this. Even if sexting isn’t illegal, they might say you acted irresponsibly since it opened you up to blackmail.

If you’re honest and upfront, it might help. Having proof she’s 19 and asked for the pic is a good start, but talk to legal.

8

Blackmail is a big deal. You’ve got to report her. Do you have screenshots or anything showing what she said?

9

Rin said:
Blackmail is a big deal. You’ve got to report her. Do you have screenshots or anything showing what she said?

Yeah, I have screenshots of her asking for the pic and proof of her age. Should I share those when I report it?

10

Rin said:
Blackmail is a big deal. You’ve got to report her. Do you have screenshots or anything showing what she said?

Absolutely. That evidence will back you up. Just make sure you share it with the right people—probably your legal office.

11

Wait, what’s NCIS? Sorry if that’s a dumb question lol.

12

Toryn said:
Wait, what’s NCIS? Sorry if that’s a dumb question lol.

Not dumb at all! NCIS is the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. They handle crimes involving Navy personnel.

13

Toryn said:
Wait, what’s NCIS? Sorry if that’s a dumb question lol.

Ah, got it. So they’d investigate this kind of blackmail situation?

14

Toryn said:
Wait, what’s NCIS? Sorry if that’s a dumb question lol.

Exactly. If it’s serious enough, they’d step in. Your chain of command might involve them after you report it.

15

One thing to consider: depending on the state, recording conversations could require consent. Did she know she was being recorded?

16

Lyle said:
One thing to consider: depending on the state, recording conversations could require consent. Did she know she was being recorded?

Oh, I didn’t think about that. I’m in a one-party consent state, so I think I’m okay legally.

17

Lyle said:
One thing to consider: depending on the state, recording conversations could require consent. Did she know she was being recorded?

Good! If that’s the case, the recording should be fine to use as evidence. Just be sure to check with legal before showing it.