Deltona man accused of blackmailing British woman into sending him more than $8,000

A Deltona man is accused of blackmailing a woman in the United Kingdom into sending him more than $8,000 in exchange for keeping their online relationship private.Christian Smith, 37, was arrested at his home Tuesday morning, charged with extortion and illegal use of credit cards.Sheriff's deputies say Smith and the woman from South Wales met in a chat room five years ago and that the relationship took a more intimate turn online early this year.Deputies say the married victim decided to end it. They say that's when Smith threatened to send compromising photos and videos to her husband and her place of work.The sheriff thinks there may be other victims."There are probably other victims out there, maybe locally, maybe across the United States, maybe across the globe, who have been affected by this guy, who clearly probably would never come forward," said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.Smith also allegedly accessed the victim's credit card.His bond is set at $25,000.

A Deltona man is accused of blackmailing a woman in the United Kingdom into sending him more than $8,000 in exchange for keeping their online relationship private.

Christian Smith, 37, was arrested at his home Tuesday morning, charged with extortion and illegal use of credit cards.


Sheriff's deputies say Smith and the woman from South Wales met in a chat room five years ago and that the relationship took a more intimate turn online early this year.

Deputies say the married victim decided to end it. They say that's when Smith threatened to send compromising photos and videos to her husband and her place of work.

The sheriff thinks there may be other victims.

"There are probably other victims out there, maybe locally, maybe across the United States, maybe across the globe, who have been affected by this guy, who clearly probably would never come forward," said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

Smith also allegedly accessed the victim's credit card.

His bond is set at $25,000.