An 18-year-old man from Pennsylvania now faces federal charges after a harrowing investigation revealed a calculated scheme to exploit a 13-year-old girl. The arrest, made late Friday in California, unveiled a disturbing pattern of online grooming and alleged abuse, culminating in a motel meeting where authorities intervened.
Investigators describe the suspect, Matthew Edward Pysher, as a deeply disturbed individual steeped in a dangerous ideology. He allegedly embraced nihilistic violent extremism – a worldview fueled by hatred and a desire for societal collapse – and was connected to the notorious online “764” group, known for its promotion of self-harm and the sexual exploitation of children.
The case began with a mother’s desperate plea. On February 10th, she contacted the FBI, profoundly concerned that her daughter was being manipulated into self-harm through interactions on a Discord server dedicated to mental health struggles. Her vigilance proved critical.
Evidence quickly emerged of a three-month-long online relationship where Pysher allegedly preyed on the girl’s vulnerabilities. Disturbingly, investigators discovered images sent by the victim depicting severe self-inflicted wounds, a chilling indication of the extent of his influence.
The arrest at the motel revealed a disturbing collection of items: condoms, a knife, lubricant, razor blades, and blood-stained tissues. A boarding pass confirmed Pysher had traveled to Los Angeles specifically to meet the victim, and a Faraday bag – designed to block electronic signals – was found near his phone, suggesting an attempt to conceal his communications.
Law enforcement officials allege Pysher engaged in sexual acts with the girl and repeatedly cut her with a knife. The swift response, driven by the mother’s immediate action and the FBI’s focused investigation, prevented further harm and secured the victim’s safety.
This case is not isolated. The FBI reports a dramatic surge in arrests related to nihilistic violent extremism, with a staggering 490% increase from 2024 to 2025. The “764 Network” is also under intense scrutiny, with a 20% rise in related arrests.
The Department of Justice warns that these extremist groups often target vulnerable minors online, seeking to share abusive material, groom victims for violence, or blackmail them into horrific acts – including self-mutilation, sexual exploitation, and even threats of murder. Their core belief is a destructive hatred of society and a desire to incite chaos.
Federal authorities are actively dismantling these networks, having taken down four million pedophile accounts on the dark web and increasing child predator arrests by 11%. This nationwide effort underscores a commitment to protecting children from the growing threat of online exploitation and extremist ideologies.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the prevalence of these online threats, particularly those linked to the 764 Network, represents one of the most critical – and often overlooked – issues facing the nation. The FBI has also seen a 23% increase in human trafficking arrests.
