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State Rep. Sandack Resignation: How It Happened And The Police Report

CHICAGO (CBS) – Ron Sandack who abruptly resigned in July as a state representative, is now describing himself as a victim of 'sextortion' in a social media statement.

Former state Rep. Sandack wired the woman money before contacting authorities, according to a statement he gave police. He resigned weeks after closing multiple social media accounts, CBS 2's Jeremy Ross reports.

Sandack reported to police he was experiencing online security issues and reevaluated his public service.

The Downers Grove police report spans 34 pages, with the case involving the FBI and Filipino Law Enforcement.

The police report said it started with a Facebook friend request from a woman, back in the summer. The request lead to messaging, Skype calls, and fake social media accounts in Sandack's name. Former State Representative said it was done with the intent to lure him into inappropriate online conversations.

The police documents call Sandack the victim of an extortion plot, where he wired money to the Philippines.

In eventually going to the police, Sandack would also get help from the FBI.

How can you make sure you don't become a victim of cyber extortion? Watch this:

Posted by Suzanne Le Mignot on Friday, September 16, 2016

Sandack issued a statement reading:

"This past July, I was the target of an international crime ring focusing on high profile individuals luring them to engage in inappropriate online conversations with the intent of extortion. I took their bait and fell for it hook, line and sinker. Subsequently, counterfeit social media accounts were created jeopardizing my online identity. Nonetheless, I was a victim. Poor decisions on my part enabled me to be a victim and, as a responsible citizen, I reported it and have been working with the police throughout their investigation. I want it to be clear that no aspect of my involvement in this incident was related to my position as a State Representative nor was the computer state property. I'm human. I made a mistake for which I am remorseful and ashamed; especially because I have hurt my family, and there is no greater self-inflicted wound than that."

Sandack stressed the scam was not related to his position in government and did not involve state computers.

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