PCSO: Coolidge man accused of sexually extorting two Australian teens

PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. (FOX 10) -- Officials with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office say a young Coolidge man is arrested and accused of sexually extorting two teenage girls from Australia.

According to a statement released Wednesday night,18-year-old Kai Ranaglia-Nelson was arrested at his home in Coolidge on Wednesday morning, following a four-month investigation that was initiated by the New South Wales Police Force in Australia. The investigation began in Australia after a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old girl came forward, and detectives learned inappropriate photos were exchanged between the victims and Ranaglia-Nelson.

Ranaglia-Nelson, authorities say, threatened to expose the images if the girls did not continue to send photos. In one case, authorities say Ranaglia-Nelson released one of the pictures of the victim, after she stopped sending him pictures.

PCSO officials say they were able to track down Ranaglia-Nelson to an address in Coolidge, after Australian detectives contacted PCSO investigators. Renaglia-Nelson reportedly admitted to detectives his involvement in extorting the victims.

According to PCSO officials, Ranaglia-Nelson is charged with two counts of sexual extortion. There could be more victims, and Ranaglia-Nelson could face additional charges.