A Florida man who blackmailed five teenage girls so they would pose nude and engage in sexual conduct on web cameras has been sentenced to 12 years in prison in New Jersey.

Daniel Derringer III must also register as a sex offender under the sentence imposed Friday. The 29-year-old Lake Worth man pleaded guilty last November to manufacturing and distributing child pornography and debauching the morals of a child.

Authorities say the former Union City resident posed online as a young girl to trick teen girls into exposing themselves on their web cameras. Investigators say he threatened to post those images online if the girls didn’t engage in further sexual conduct.

Three victims were 15 when the offenses occurred, while the other two were 14 and 16.

Officials say that the investigation began after a 15-year-old Minnesota girl reported the incidents to the local police department. The victim was able to take a photo of her computer screen, which showed Derringer’s face via webcam. Police were able to track Derringer to his New Jersey address.

“By threatening to expose multiple underage girls to disgrace and embarrassment on the internet, Derringer not only sexually exploited his victims, but also subjected them to incalculable emotional harm,” said Attorney General Gurbir Grewal in a statement.

The statement continued, “Were it not for the courage of the Minnesota victim and the diligence of our law enforcement team, he might still be stalking young girls instead of serving this lengthy prison sentence.”

Officials urge anyone who may have information about suspected child pornography or child exploitation to contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tipline at 888-648-6007.