A conman who used Snapchat to blackmail a family into giving him more than £11,000 has been jailed.
Using a false name, Jordan Ellis first contacted one of his victims in July 2024 and asked them if they “wanted to make some money”, said Cheshire Police.
Detectives tracked Ellis down by analysing his communications devices and arrested him in March.
The 29-year-old, of Bewsey Street in Warrington, admitted blackmail and theft and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 6 August to six years in prison.
Police said Ellis pressured his victim into sending over his bank details in return for what he promised would be a financial reward.
Ellis then changed the man’s online banking passwords and had full access to his account.
Police said Ellis then managed to find contact details for family members of the victim, threatening them into sending further money.
He made up stories about the family and posted them on Facebook to pressure them into paying, Cheshire Police said.
The victim and his family were blackmailed into paying a total of £11,417.
“I welcome the sentence handed to Ellis, who subjected the victims to a prolonged period of threatening behaviour and torment, while pocketing a huge amount of money for his own gain,” said Det Con Gary Cooney.
“In interview, Ellis refused to answer any questions put to him by officers, but thanks to a catalogue of evidence against him, he was left with no choice but to plead guilty.”
