LIVINGSTON - A Marrero woman first believed to be the victim in an extortion and harassment case has been arrested on charges she orchestrated the whole thing herself, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said.
Haydee Ortiz, 29, was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on the following charges:
She has since bonded out. Bond was set at $150,000.
Detectives say Ortiz created the fake accounts, the AI-generated nude photos and videos, the rape threats, and the demands for money that she and another person had reported as victims.
The case began when detectives with the Livingston Parish Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were assigned to assist in an investigation into threats made by phone and online.
"One alleged victim was receiving threats of rape and other bodily harm in exchange for monetary funds to 'prevent' threats from happening," Ard said. "AI generated photos and videos were created of one of the victims and were sent out to numerous family members and friends."
The threats escalated as detectives worked the case, Ard said, eventually including a threat to get one victim fired.
Investigators brought in Homeland Security at one point over allegations that suspects overseas were involved, based on past relationships and acquaintances in Greece.
The case turned when subpoenas and search returns came back from the platforms used to send the messages.
"The investigation led back to an interview and the questioning of, at first believed to be the victim, now suspect Haydee Ortiz," Ard said. "After an interview with Ortiz, it was learned it was in fact herself who made all the fictitious accounts, AI-generated nude photos/videos, rape threats, and extortion attempts."
Ortiz's devices were seized, and additional charges may follow, Ard said. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone else who believes they were victimized in this case is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 225-686-2241, extension 1, or submit a tip through the LPSO app.
