Lebanon Man Sentenced for Online Extortion

A 35-year-old Lebanon, Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for attempting to extort $150,000 from a victim by threatening to release intimate photos.

John Anthony Zayas, 35, of Lebanon, pleaded guilty to extortion by interstate communication in the fall of 2022, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Zayas used online threats to coerce the victim into paying the large sum, warning that he would publicize the intimate photos if they did not comply.

U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo rejected Zayas’s request for house arrest, opting instead for a prison sentence that is set to begin in June 2024.

Zayas will also face one year of supervised release and pay $850 in fines and assessments after his release from prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby handling the prosecution.

The harsh sentence sends a clear message to those involved in online extortion schemes, and highlights the importance of law enforcement working together to bring criminals to justice.

As a society, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to combat online crime and protect the vulnerable from predators like Zayas.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has demonstrated a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, and we will continue to shine a light on these crimes in order to keep our communities safe.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.