Man charged with allegedly extorting BYU student for sex, money

A 36-year-old Orem man was charged with a first-degree felony for allegedly extorting a 21-year-old Brigham Young University student for sex and money.

Brad Ray Adams was charged in 4th District Court on Monday with one count of attempted forcible sodomy, a first-degree felony; one count of voyeurism, a Class A misdemeanor; and one count each of theft by extortion and attempted theft by extortion, both Class B misdemeanors.

Provo police said on Feb. 22, the student met Adams via Craiglist and began communicating by e-mail and text messages. After the student sent Adams sexually suggestive photos of himself, Adams threatened to send the photos to the university's honor code officials, charging documents state.

Adams suggested the student come to his Orem apartment, which he did, and the two men had consensual sex, charging document say.

After the sexual encounter at the apartment, the student told Adams he didn't want any more contact, but Adams persisted in having the relationship, police said.

Adams told the student that he had recorded everything during their sexual encounter on camera and would release the video unless he was paid $260, charging documents state.

"Brad allegedly told the victim to give him sex or money, or he would tell his family, friends, and BYU Honor Code Office," Provo police said in news release Monday. "The victim gave the suspect $260, hoping this would end the relationship. Brad continued to persist for money or sex."

Adams continued to demand he be paid $800 or $600, plus sex, charging documents say.

Police set up a sting operation after the student told his story to police, court document say. In the set-up encounter, the student gave Adams $800 in exchange for the compromising photos, police said.

Adams was arrested after the exchange.

During a police interview, Adams confessed to what had happened, court documents say. Police seized Adams electronics as part of their investigation, which will include looking for other victims.

Anyone with information of other victims may call Detective Brian Taylor at 801-852-7328.

rorellana@sltrib.com