A man has appeared in court for the first time, facing allegations of threatening to share AI-altered images as part of a sextortion scheme targeting three women.
Benjamin Michael Jomaa is accused of sending unwanted sexual content to the women via Facebook Messenger and threatening to release AI-modified images of them online.
The 31-year-old reportedly pressured them for more private photos and pushed one woman to engage in a sexual act without her agreement.
Sextortion is a type of extortion where an individual threatens to release nude or sexual images or videos unless the victim complies with their demands.
On May 28, police raided Jomaa’s residence in Ettalong Beach on the NSW Central Coast, confiscating multiple electronic devices.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with 13 offenses.
The three women, all in their 20s, were reportedly victimized by Jomaa online from October 2024 to April 2025.
Following his arrest, Jomaa was granted bail.
He made a brief appearance in Gosford Local Court on Wednesday, where his lawyer Jessica Tohi represented him.
Accompanied by two supporters, Jomaa left the courthouse concealed under a coat.
He has been excused from attending court when the case is called again in two weeks, maintaining his bail status.
