A 17-year-old from Maine is the first juvenile in the nation to be federally sentenced for his role in a national online sexual crime extremist group.
Maine 17-Year-Old is the 1st Juvenile in the U.S. Adjudicated for 764 Role
The teen, whose name is not being released, is sentenced to a term of official detention, to be followed by juvenile delinquent supervision.
READ MORE: Maine State Police Video Shows How Fast an Online Predator Can Lure a Child
According to the FBI, the teen was found to have committed multiple acts of juvenile delinquency, including conspiring to sexually exploit a child, sexually exploiting and enticing a child, distributing child sexual abuse material, sending interstate threats, cyberstalking victims, and identity theft.
Maine Teen’s Participation in Violent 764 Extremist Group Included Shocking Acts
Ted E. Docks, FBI special agent in charge of the Boston Division, says this case should serve as an example that age will not shield young people from accountability.
What this juvenile did would shock most people to their very core, and it is our hope that by publicizing this case, others will be deterred from making the same devastating choices this teen did.
He went on to say the FBI is dedicated to finding and bringing to justice anyone who exerts control and extorts young victims.
764 Targets Children Online Through Gaming Apps, Social Media, and Popular Platforms
The FBI is now investigating over 500 suspects nationwide who are tied to violent online networks commonly referred to as 764, but officials say there are many other offshoot networks and names.
These groups target children from 10 to 17, operating on social media, gaming apps, and popular online platforms.
They build trust with their victims and then coerce them into sharing personal information, pictures, and videos.
The predators will then use those sensitive materials to blackmail the youngsters into a cycle of escalating manipulation, convincing them to engage in unspeakable acts against themselves, other children, and pets.
Some are even convinced to commit suicide.
The FBI urges the public to report any threatening behavior to law enforcement by calling 911 or by calling the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
You can also report them online using the FBI tip line.
List of Missing Persons Cases in Maine
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
