GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Anthony Reyna Densmore, 47, of Kaleva, was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for his role in an online child exploitation group. Densmore was accused of manipulating children online to record them in violent self-harm or sexually explicit situations.

According to the U.S. District Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Densmore, also known by his online alias “Rabid,” operated online chat rooms as part of a decentralized network known as 764.

Investigators claim that the 764 group ultimately sought to “corrupt and exploit children, with the goal of destroying civilized society, fomenting civil unrest, and ultimately collapsing the current world order, including the government of the United States.” Joined”.

The group used Discord to organize and share the illicit content.

They targeted, induced and extorted children into self-harm and sexually explicit activities.

Investigators described Densmore in court documents as “a notorious figure in the most vile groups and darkest corners of the Internet, who had created and ran online chat rooms where children were encouraged to cut themselves, bleed for members and publicly engaging in depraved sexual acts. “

Investigators say they found evidence of numerous disturbing interactions between Densmore and underage Internet users.

Densmore sent Discord currency to a minor to persuade her to send him a naked photo with “Rabid” written on her chest.

After investigators seized his initial devices from his home, they believe Densmore continued collecting such material on new devices.

In an online news conference Thursday, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten explained that the group targeted young people struggling with mental health issues, encouraging them to self-harm.

A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice added: “Many members of this network have the ultimate goal of forcing their victims to commit suicide on a live broadcast.”

Densmore’s attorney noted in a pre-sentence report filed with the court that he had previously been charged with attempted criminal sexual conduct in 1996.

That case was ultimately dismissed after Densmore served a year of probation.

The researchers highlight that there are similar groups online targeting vulnerable children.

Parents are urged to talk openly with their children about online safety, monitor what their children do online, and be alert for unexpected packages arriving at their homes.

Densmore and his possible associates are accused of mailing razor blades to some underage members of his chat room.

He will serve his sentence in federal prison.

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