Allegations have surfaced regarding a group of individuals linked to an online community accused of targeting and coercing minors on a well-known social media platform to engage in harmful activities and disturbing sexual behaviors.
The five individuals associated with “Greggy’s Cult” reportedly harassed young individuals on messaging platforms like Discord and infiltrated online games such as Roblox to manipulate children as young as 11. The group of alleged offenders, identified as Hector Bermudez, Zachary Dosch, Rumaldo Valdez, David Brilhante, and Camden Rodriguez, are accused of collaborating in the production and distribution of child pornography, as well as engaging in threatening communications across state lines. These charges were filed in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York.
According to US attorney Joseph Nocella, the defendants exploited a popular online platform to coerce minors into creating explicit child pornography, which they then shared and used to torment the victims, pushing some to self-harm and even consider suicide.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R Galeotti condemned the defendants’ actions, describing them as reprehensible for pressuring both children and adults into participating in self-destructive acts. The indictment highlights the determination of the Criminal Division to prosecute such abhorrent crimes and bring those responsible to justice.
FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Raia emphasized that the defendants allegedly coerced children into sharing videos of themselves enduring severe sexual abuse, while also promoting self-harm and suicide. The FBI’s commitment to pursuing individuals who prey on innocent victims online for exploitation was reiterated.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi underscored the importance of protecting children from online exploitation, stating that the Department of Justice remains dedicated to safeguarding children, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators who target vulnerable individuals accountable.
The defendants are alleged to have engaged in the creation and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials and other forms of exploitation of minors and adults between January 2020 and January 2021. They reportedly coerced victims into degrading acts, including identifying themselves as “owned” by members of the online community.
The defendants purportedly demanded proof of loyalty from victims by inscribing the members’ names on their bodies or displaying signs with the names. Victims were reportedly targeted on Discord servers and gaming platforms like Roblox, where they were encouraged to carry out demeaning tasks.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through collaboration between U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, the project aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online and to rescue victims.
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