Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO — A 36-year-old male has been arrested after allegedly extorting a 21-year-old male Brigham Young University student for sex and money by threatening to "out" the student to his fiancé and BYU's Honor Code Office.
Brad Adams was arrested March 6 and booked into the Utah County Jail on charges of extortion and attempted forcible sodomy, according to police reports. He was later released on bail and is expected to appear in Provo's 4th District Court later this week.
Adams and the victim met on Craigslist, according to Provo police, and began communicating with one another Feb. 22 via email and text messages.
"At this time, the victim took pictures of himself in compromising situations, and the two arranged to meet," said Provo Police Sgt. Mathew Siufanua.
The two met in Orem and had consensual sex, at which time the victim attempted to end the relationship with Adams, according to reports.
At that point, he clearly knew he was in over his head and called us.
–Sgt. Mathew Siufanua
Adams then threatened to tell the victim's fiancé, family and the BYU Honor Code Office, according to Siufanua. At that point, the victim gave Adams $260.
"That wasn't enough; Adams demanded either $800 or $600 and sex," Siufanua said. "At that point, he clearly knew he was in over his head and called us."
Provo police arranged a sting for March 6 at Utah Valley University, where Adams agreed to meet with the victim at the university to collect $800. Adams was taken into custody after the exchange was made.
According to reports, Adams did report the student to the BYU's Honor Code Office and told the student's family and fiancé about the relationship.
"It was a real threat," Siufanua said.
Police are asking other possible victims to come forward since Adams indicated to police he had done this before. Anyone with information can contact Detective Brian Taylor at 801-852-7328.
