Erik Lee Madison, a resident of Halethorpe, Maryland, entered a guilty plea in federal court to charges of sexual exploitation of a child and cyberstalking. According to prosecutors, Madison targeted and abused at least ten minor female victims over the course of a year-long period.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, alongside FBI Baltimore Field Office Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal E. Awad, and Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough.
Inside the “764” Violent Extremist Network
Court filings reveal that between November 2024 and November 2025, Madison was actively involved with “764,” a violent extremist network described as part of a broader group of nihilistic violent extremists. Members of 764 allegedly use online platforms to circulate graphic content, including gore, violence, and child sexual abuse material, while targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly minors.
Madison reportedly used the internet as a primary tool to exploit victims, engaging in manipulation, coercion, and cyberstalking. His activities included pressuring minors to produce and stream sexually explicit material. Authorities say he also encouraged acts of self-harm, instructing victims to cut themselves with razors and carve words or symbols into their skin.
In particularly disturbing instances, victims were coerced into using their own blood to write messages or Madison’s aliases on walls, which they were then forced to livestream. Investigators also uncovered evidence that Madison encouraged harm toward animals, further illustrating the extreme nature of the abuse tied to the 764 networks.
Extortion, Threats, and Cyberstalking Tactics
The case highlights the calculated methods used within the violent extremist network 764 to maintain control over victims. Madison allegedly relied on threats and intimidation to silence and manipulate those he targeted. These tactics included threatening physical harm against victims and their families, as well as promising to release explicit images or videos if victims refused to comply.
He also used cyberstalking techniques such as doxxing, publishing private personal information, and threatening to “swat” victims, a dangerous hoax involving false emergency reports designed to provoke armed law enforcement responses.
Authorities noted that members of 764 often operate in coordinated ways, using social media and encrypted communication platforms to distribute illicit material and carry out organized extortion campaigns against teenagers.
Broader Threat of Nihilistic Violent Extremism
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the case reflects a growing concern around nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) groups like 764. These networks are known to exploit online spaces to groom and manipulate vulnerable individuals, often pushing them toward increasingly harmful behaviors.
According to the Justice Department, victims of such violent extremist networks are frequently subjected to coercion, blackmail, and psychological abuse. They may be forced into self-mutilation, sexual exploitation, acts of violence, or even encouraged toward suicide or harming others.
These groups operate both within the United States and internationally, making detection and enforcement particularly challenging.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Madison now faces severe penalties under federal law. For the charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. The cyberstalking charge carries an additional potential sentence of up to 10 years.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 16 at 11:30 a.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. The program brings together federal, state, and local agencies to combat the growing threat of child exploitation, identify victims, and prosecute offenders.
Officials reiterated their commitment to addressing crimes linked to networks like 764, noting the evolving dangers posed by digital platforms when exploited by violent extremist networks. They also highlighted the importance of awareness and education for parents, caregivers, and educators in recognizing and preventing online exploitation and cyberstalking.
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