Tucson Teen Charged with Federal Terrorism Crimes Tied to 764 Extremist Network

First case in the U.S. to pursue terrorism charges against a member of the violent online group 764.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:04am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered computer mouse against a stark black background, conceptually representing the digital tools used by online extremists to target and manipulate vulnerable youth.A grim reminder of the real-world consequences of online extremism, as federal agents pursue the first-ever terrorism charges against a member of the violent 764 network.Phoenix Today

Federal agents have charged a 19-year-old Tucson resident, Baron Martin, with a 29-count indictment including terrorism charges for his alleged involvement with the extremist online network 764. Authorities say Martin, known online as 'Convict,' blackmailed and coerced children as young as 11 to self-harm, kill their pets, and livestream acts of violence.

Why it matters

This case represents the first time federal terrorism charges have been filed against a member of the 764 network, which has been linked to a rise in teen suicides and school shootings across the country. Prosecutors say 764 members target vulnerable youth online, not for financial gain, but to spread their 'ideology of bringing down the system' through violent actions.

The details

According to the indictment, Baron Martin joined the 764 network in 2019 and used the online handle 'Convict' to blackmail and manipulate children in the U.S. and overseas. Agents say he coerced victims as young as 11 to carve his name into their bodies, kill their pets, and livestream acts of extreme violence. Prosecutors have charged Martin with 29 counts, including conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

  • Martin was first cited by police for a minor traffic incident in Tucson in 2024.
  • Martin allegedly joined the 764 network in 2019.
  • The 29-count federal indictment against Martin was filed in April 2026.
  • Martin's trial is scheduled to begin in June 2026.

The players

Baron Martin

A 19-year-old Tucson resident who allegedly went by the online handle 'Convict' and was deeply involved with the extremist 764 network, blackmailing and coercing children to self-harm and commit violent acts.

Timothy Courchaine

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona who filed the 29-count federal indictment against Martin, including terrorism charges, the first such case against a 764 member in the country.

Heith Janke

The special agent in charge of the FBI's Phoenix field office, who described the 764 network as 'pure evil' and said the FBI has seen a 490% increase in these types of cases in the past year.

764

A violent extremist online network that has been linked to a rise in teen suicides and school shootings across the U.S., with members allegedly targeting vulnerable youth to spread their 'ideology of bringing down the system' through violent actions.

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What they’re saying

“Getting children to violently self-harm, getting children to kill themselves and commit suicide, or specifically in this case as well, allegedly put a hit out on a grandmother.”

— Timothy Courchaine, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona

“These are the bad guys. They're not coming in the back door anymore. They're coming in through the bedroom, through the internet device in that bedroom, and that's where parents need to pay attention.”

— Timothy Courchaine, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona

“764 is 'pure evil.'”

— Heith Janke, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Phoenix Field Office

What’s next

The judge will decide on Martin's bail status ahead of his trial, which is scheduled to begin in June 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of violent extremist networks like 764 that target vulnerable youth online, not for financial gain but to spread their dangerous ideology. It underscores the need for increased vigilance and education for parents and law enforcement to identify and stop these predators before they can radicalize and harm more children.