Maryland Man Linked to Extremist Group 764 Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation and Cyberstalking

Maryland — A 20-year-old Maryland man has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges stemming from the sexual exploitation of minors and online coercion tied to a violent extremist network.

Erik Lee Madison of Halethorpe pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and cyberstalking, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Prosecutors say Madison targeted at least 10 minor female victims over a year-long period from November 2024 through November 2025.

Authorities allege Madison was affiliated with “764,” a network described by investigators as promoting nihilistic violent extremist activity. According to court documents, he used online platforms to distribute graphic content and manipulate victims into producing sexually explicit material and engaging in acts of self-harm.

Victims were coerced into injuring themselves, including cutting their bodies and displaying messages written in blood during livestreams. Prosecutors say Madison also encouraged harm toward animals and used threats of violence, doxing, and “swatting” to maintain control over victims.

Officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and Baltimore County Police Department assisted in the investigation.

Madison faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, along with an additional potential sentence of up to 10 years for cyberstalking. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16.

The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Federal officials say the case highlights the growing threat posed by online extremist networks that target and exploit vulnerable youth through social media and digital platforms.