Man who posed as Justin Bieber online sentenced in 'sextortion' scheme

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Patrick Gunn pretended to be Justin Bieber online and convinced girls to send him naked photos. (AP Graphic)

MONTGOMERY - AL -

The U.S. Attorney's Office say a 31-year-old Montgomery man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison on child pornography charges in what authorities are calling an international "online sextortion scheme."

Authorities say Patrick Gunn met girls between the ages of 9 and 16 in chat rooms and on social media sites between 2009 and 2011. Officials say Gunn would either pose as a new kid in town looking for friends, or would convince girls that he was pop star Justin Bieber and ask for explicit photos in exchange for free concert tickets and backstage passes.

After initially complying with his orders, authorities say Gunn would threaten to send explicit photos to the victims' friends and relatives if they did not continue sending him pornographic images of themselves.

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Man sentenced in 'sextortion' scheme - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Man who posed as Justin Bieber online sentenced in 'sextortion' scheme

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