Man Who Blackmailed Women In 'Sextortion' Scheme Arrested: PD

GERMANTOWN, MD — A Germantown man who pretended to be a woman online and blackmailed at least six victims in a "sextortion" scheme has been arrested, according to Montgomery County police.

Michael Brendan Cooper, 22, is accused of posing as a woman named "Rebecca Lattimore" on various social media platforms and tricking people into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves. According to police, he would then reveal his true identity and threaten to distribute the files to the victims' friends, family, and coworkers if he didn't receive money, sexual favors, or more graphic content.

Even if the victims blocked Cooper on social media, he would use different accounts to threaten and harass them, police said. Sometimes, they added, Cooper would text victims using various "spoofed" numbers.

During an initial investigation, detectives identified five female victims. Cooper was charged with offenses related to the "sextortion"scheme in mid-July, police said. He was later released from commitment.

Then, on July 26, officers responded to a suspicious call in Germantown. Upon arrival, authorities said they found Cooper's sixth victim.

According to police, the female victim agreed to meet Cooper under the pretense that she would engage in sexual acts. During the interaction, Cooper threatened her with a knife. He then fled the scene.

The victim's boyfriend, who was at the scene, confronted and subdued Cooper until police arrived, according to authorities.

Cooper was arrested and charged with 10 crimes, court records show. He is currently being held without bond.

Anyone who believes that he/she is a victim is asked to call detectives at 240-773-6254.