Maine teen sentenced in federal 764 extremist group case

A 17-year-old in Maine has become the first juvenile to be adjudicated in a federal case involving the 764 network, an online extremist group. The teenager was convicted of multiple charges, including conspiring to sexually exploit a child, sexual exploitation and enticement of a child, cyberstalking, identity theft, and distributing child sexual abuse material.

The FBI’s Boston Division, which led the investigation, stated that the 764 network is composed of individuals who seek to coerce and manipulate minors into engaging in sexual acts and violent behavior. The group, which originated from a Texas teenager in 2021, aims to “sow chaos and create social unrest” through the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Federal authorities are currently investigating more than 500 people nationwide linked to the 764 network and its various splinter groups. The teen will serve time in detention followed by juvenile delinquent supervision. Due to federal law, the identity and specific location of the juvenile have not been released.