MI man sentenced to prison for manipulating children online to send violent, sexually explicit images

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Anthony Reyna Densmore, 47, of Kaleva, was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for his role in an online child exploitation group. Densmore was accused of manipulating children online into recording themselves in violent self-harm or sexually explicit situations.

Densmore, also known by his online alias “Rabid,” operated online chat rooms as part of a decentralized network known as 764, according to the U.S. District Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

Investigators allege that the 764 group ultimately sought to “corrupt and exploit children with the goal of destroying civilized society, inciting civil unrest, and ultimately overthrowing the existing world order, including the United States Government.”

The group used Discord to organize and share illegal content.

They targeted, encouraged and blackmailed children to engage in self-harm and sexually explicit activities.

Investigators described Densmore in court documents as “a notorious figure in the most vile groups and darkest corners of the Internet who created and managed online chat rooms where children were encouraged to cut themselves, shed blood for their members, and publicly engage in depraved sexual acts.” ”

Investigators say they found evidence of multiple disturbing interactions between Densmore and underage internet users.

Densmore sent Discord currency to an underage boy to persuade him to send a nude photo with the word “Rabid” written on his chest.

They believe Densmore continued to collect such materials in new devices after his first devices were seized from his home by investigators.

In an online news conference Thursday, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten explained that the group targets young people struggling with mental health issues and encourages them to harm themselves.

A spokesman for the US Department of Justice added: “The ultimate goal of many members of this network is to force their victims to commit suicide on live television.”

In his pre-sentence report submitted to the court, Densmore’s lawyer noted that he had previously been charged with attempted criminal sexual conduct in 1996.

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

Researchers emphasize that similar online groups exist targeting vulnerable children.

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

Densmore and potential associates are accused of sending razor blades in the mail to some underage members of their chat rooms.

He will serve his sentence in federal prison.

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