Pennsylvania Man Charged with Grooming Child into Sexual Acts, Self-Harm

Suspect linked to nihilistic violent extremist ideology and online 'gore' group

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 to share sexually explicit images, some depicting severe self-mutilation. Authorities described the suspect, Matthew Edward Pysher, as a 'sadistic' predator who harbored ideologies consistent with nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) and an online 'gore' group called '764' that promotes self-harm, sexual exploitation and violence among children.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of online predators who target vulnerable children and exploit them through extremist ideologies and the promotion of self-harm. It also underscores the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, parents, and tech companies to combat these disturbing trends.

The details

Pysher was arrested on February 20 while meeting the 13-year-old victim at a motel in Santa Clarita, California. During his arrest, authorities recovered condoms, a knife, lubricant, razor blades, bloody tissues, 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 had allegedly been engaging with the victim online for at least three months.
  • The victim's mother contacted the FBI on February 10, raising concerns about her daughter's interactions with a person named 'Matthew' on a Discord server.
  • Pysher was arrested on February 20 while meeting the victim at a motel in Castaic, California.

The players

Matthew Edward Pysher

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania man who was arrested and federally charged for allegedly grooming a 13-year-old girl online and coercing her into sexual and abusive acts.

Akil Davis

The assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, who stated that Pysher is 'one of a growing number of alleged nihilistic violent extremists who prey on children'.

Robert G. Luna

The Los Angeles County Sheriff, who praised the 'swift and coordinated efforts of local and federal law enforcement' and the 'decisive action of a vigilant mother' in this case.

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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 increased awareness and action to combat the growing threat of online predators targeting vulnerable children through extremist ideologies and the promotion of self-harm. Vigilant parenting, strong law enforcement cooperation, and proactive measures by tech companies are crucial to protecting our youth.