Delegate Proposes New Sextortion Law After Death of Kanawha County Teen

CROSS LANES, W.Va. — A West Virginia lawmaker is proposing new legislation to strengthen penalties for sextortion following the death of a Kanawha County teenager earlier this year.
Investigators say 15‑year‑old Bryce Tate of Cross Lanes died from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound on Nov. 6, 2025. Evidence later showed he had been the victim of sextortion just hours before his death.
Delegate Andy Shamblin, who knew the Tate family personally, said the loss has devastated the Nitro community, especially students at Nitro High School. He said the tragedy underscored the need for stronger laws addressing online sexual extortion.
Under current state law, many sextortion cases are treated as misdemeanors. Shamblin’s proposal would create a specific felony offense for sexual extortion, defined as using electronic or online tools to coerce or threaten another person. The bill would apply to both minors and adults and would explicitly target online deception, including misrepresenting age or identity to obtain sexual material from minors.
If passed, the base penalty would carry one to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Enhanced penalties of three to 15 years and fines up to $25,000 could apply if the offense involves a minor or results in serious bodily injury, severe emotional distress, attempted suicide, or suicide.
Shamblin expects to introduce the bill on Jan. 14, the first day of the 60‑day legislative session. He said a realistic timeline could put the measure on the governor’s desk by early February. He also emphasized the importance of education and awareness as tools for prevention.
Tate’s case remains under investigation by the FBI and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.