A man from the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been convicted of manipulating children online with the aim of sending violent and explicit images.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Anthony Reyna Densmore, 47, of Kaleva, was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for his role in an online child exploitation ring. Densmore was charged with manipulating children online into recording them participating in violent self-harm or sexually explicit situations.

Densmore, also known as “Mad,” operated online chat rooms as part of a decentralized network known as 764, according to the district attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

Investigators say Group 764 ultimately sought to “corrupt and exploit children with the goal of destroying civilized society, inciting civil unrest, and ultimately the destruction of the current world order, including the United States government.”

The group used Discord to organize and distribute illegal content.

They harassed, encouraged and extorted children into self-harm and sexually explicit acts.

Investigators described Densmore in court documents as “a well-known figure in some of the most nefarious groups and darkest corners of the Internet who created and led online chat rooms where children were encouraged to cut themselves, bleed for participants, and publicly engage in depraved sexual acts.” »

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

Densmore sent Discord currency to the minor to convince her to send a nude photo with the word “Mad” written across her chest.

After investigators seized his first devices from his home, they believe Densmore continued to collect similar materials about new devices.

In an online news conference Thursday, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten explained that the group targets young people suffering from mental illness and encourages them to engage in self-harm.

A US Department of Justice spokesman added: “Many members of this network have the ultimate goal of getting their victims to commit suicide on live television.”

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

That case was eventually dismissed after Densmore completed a year of probation.

Investigators stress that similar online groups exist that target vulnerable children.

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

Densmore and his potential associates are accused of mailing razor blades to some minor members of their chat room.

He will serve his time in federal prison.

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