Feds charge Minnesota substitute teacher in sextortion case

A 25-year-old substitute teacher from Carver has been charged in connection to a sextortion case involving minors, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Mitchell James Ottinger has been charged with two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography and two counts of making extortionate threats.

According to court documents, Ottinger created fake internet accounts to "encourage and direct" minors and adults to make sexually explicit images and videos.

If a victim blocked or ignored Ottinger, he would contact the victim and threaten to publish the sexually explicit images.

If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Ottinger serves as a substitute teacher, however, they did not make it clear what districts he serves in.