Michael Aaron Pomeroy of Mesa was arrested on November 8, 2018 by personnel with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. The 36-year-old Pomeroy, was charged with sexual extortion.
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) began its investigation in October after a woman called to report that she was getting blackmailed by someone she met online eight years ago. The victim, who was 19-years-old at the time, says she met Pomeroy through an online dating website. At the time, Pomeroy may have had an account set up under the name of Matt Rogers. The two went out on a date, and later, they went back to the suspect’s townhome near 1600 block of West Village Way in Tempe. The next day, the victim met with the suspect, and Pomeroy informed her that she signed a consent form to make a sex tape and audition for his porn company. The victim did not remember doing anything with the suspect or signing any consent form. She did not even recognize the signature the suspect showed her. They got into the argument and she asked the suspect not to post the video. Pomeroy told the victim she would have to continue to have sex with him to keep the video from being posted on the internet. She had no contact with the suspect after that.
On October 29, 2018, Pomeroy called the victim, identifying himself as “Matt Rogers.” He told the victim he was going through some of her “old footage” and wanted to be compensated for keeping it off the internet for all these years. In a recorded conversation, Pomeroy told the victim he would agree to release the video to her if she would have sex with him three times.
“This victim was smart enough to use an app to record Mr. Pomeroy’s demands and call the Sheriff’s Office immediately.” said Sheriff Mark Lamb. “If Michael Pomeroy was willing to extort this woman for sex or money, we are afraid there are more victims out there and we ask them to come forward.”
Pomeroy claimed to have a porn business and was hosting auditions at his home. If you believe you are a victim or have any information related to this case, please call the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office at 520-866-5111.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office takes revenge porn and extortion extremely seriously and we encourage all victims to come forward. If you are dating, here are some precautions we recommend you take:
– Limit alcohol intake.
– Take separate cars.
– Do your own research into the individual you are going out on a date with.
– Let others know who you will be with and where you are going.