News 8 Investigates: How online criminal group ‘764' terrorized Vernon teenager
VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) — The FBI has issued a new warning for all parents in Connecticut. A violent online network is growing, and it has ties to a local teenage girl.
This is a story with national, international and local ties. The extremist group '764' has penetrated one local town in Connecticut.
It was September of 2024 the arrest of the 17-year old who police say made several bomb and swatting threats to schools and places of worship was first reported.
News 8 heard exclusively from the parents of that Vernon girl who say they want to just warn other families.
764 is an online network trying to promote world chaos, violence and more.
2024: Vernon police arrest teen suspected in threats to schools, places of worship
The girl wanted acceptance into 764 where on-line predators first gain trust, then blackmail young people into capturing violent content to be shared online everywhere.
'Having that victim carve their alias into their body, having that individual commit suicide on live feed, having that individual kill animals,' said Vernon Police Detective Thomas Van Tasel
The arrest of the Vernon teen followed a year-long investigation and the town being faced with threats. According to authorities, the more gore or violence, the better, because it raises participant's stature within 764.
National partners at ABC news and the investigative unit spoke exclusively with the Vernon girl's parents. ABC agreed to alter their faces and voices.
'We didn't raise her to engage in that kind of activity it's like she was raised to be a law abiding citizen,' they said.
Their daughter shared pornographic images and even this barbie doll with 764 carved in the forehead.
Bomb threat targets top Connecticut Republican Sen. Steve Harding's Brookfield home
'Before it started she was a child who was on the honor roll she had a lot of friends she attended school activities …hung out with a lot of friends in person,' the parents said.
The detective was asked if the girl from Vernon is a victim or a participant.
'Depending on you ask that question to the answer may be different,' said Van Tasel
The young girl from Vernon is cooperating with authorities and she's receiving therapy, trying to get her life back on track according to her mother.
Vernon police say look for signs of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, behavior changes and changes in eating habits.
Officials advise parents to check gaming platforms and phones and to look through for any disturbing content.
Watch the full story above.
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