05/28/2026
HCSO DEPUTIES ARREST 16-YEAR-OLD LINKED TO VIOLENT ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORK AND EXTORTION
The Horry County Sheriff’s Office has a serious warning for parents after learning about a disturbing trend among teens with local implications.
Deputies received a cyber tip from the social gaming platform, Discord, about possible school violence, and sought help from FBI - Columbia. Further investigation revealed exploitation tied to a violent online network called “764.” Deputies identified a 16-year-old student linked to the exchanges and took them into custody.
In a 2025 Public Service Announcement, Federal authorities warned these networks target minors and other vulnerable individuals. The “764” group uses threats, blackmail, and manipulation to coerce minors into producing, sharing, or live-streaming acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, s*xually explicit acts, and/or su***de. The footage is then circulated among members of the network. Members will often threaten to post the footage online or send the footage to the victim’s family and friends to continue the extortion and maintain control.
“This is one of the most disturbing cases I’ve seen in my eight years as a child s*x crimes investigator. The ages of the defendant and the victim, and the material generated as a result of extortion was both extreme and unsettling,” said Lt. Tim Troxell.
The FBI reports that victims are typically between the ages of 10 and 17, with children experiencing mental health challenges — including depression and eating disorders — considered particularly vulnerable.
We urge parents to educate their children and closely monitor their online activity. This includes ensuring appropriate parental controls are in place and being aware of the apps their children use. Parents should also initiate a conversation if their child is communicating with someone they do not know or recognize.
⭐To request the Horry County Sheriff’s Office come speak to your group or school about online safety call 843-915-5450.
⭐To report child exploitation, download the Horry County Sheriff’s App and submit a tip.
