Pennsylvania Man Charged in Twisted Online Plot to Lure 13-Year-Old for Sex

Suspect accused of grooming victim, sharing explicit self-harm content linked to violent extremist ideology

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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An 18-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested and federally charged after allegedly grooming a 13-year-old girl online, coercing her to share sexually explicit images and engage in abusive acts, some involving severe self-mutilation. Authorities described the suspect, Matthew Edward Pysher, as a "sadistic" predator harboring ideologies consistent with nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) and the "764" online "gore" group.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of online predators targeting minors, often through social media, to exploit and blackmail them into sharing abusive content linked to extremist ideologies. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and action around the prevalence of these crimes against children.

The details

Pysher allegedly engaged with the victim online for at least three months before traveling to California to meet her near her home and take her to a motel in Castaic. During his arrest at the motel, officials recovered evidence including condoms, a knife, lubricant, razor blades, and a Faraday bag commonly used to block electronic signals. The FBI said Pysher had sex with the girl and used a knife to cut her repeatedly.

  • Pysher was arrested on February 20, 2026 after traveling to Los Angeles to meet the victim.
  • The victim's mother contacted the FBI on February 10, 2026, raising concerns about her daughter's interactions with a person named "Matthew" on a Discord server.

The players

Matthew Edward Pysher

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of grooming a 13-year-old girl online, coercing her to share sexually explicit images and engage in abusive acts.

Akil Davis

The assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, who described Pysher as a "sadistic" predator who preyed on children.

Robert G. Luna

The Los Angeles County Sheriff, who praised the swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement and the victim's mother in safely recovering the girl.

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What they’re saying

“The subject arrested this weekend is one of a growing number of alleged nihilistic violent extremists who prey on children and talk them into compromising sex acts and self-mutilation.”

— Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge, FBI Los Angeles Field Office

“Because of the swift and coordinated efforts of local and federal law enforcement, and the decisive action of a vigilant mother who immediately contacted law enforcement, this young victim was safely recovered, and further harm was prevented.”

— Robert G. Luna, Los Angeles County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Matthew Edward Pysher to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action around the growing threat of online predators targeting minors, often through social media, to exploit and blackmail them into sharing abusive content linked to extremist ideologies. Vigilant parents and swift law enforcement response are critical to protecting vulnerable children.