‘Not a small group’: Parents warned after Horry County teen arrested for ties to group coercing minors into violence

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - Parents are being warned to pay attention after a Horry County teen was arrested on Thursday for allegedly having ties to a violent online network.

The Horry County Sheriff’s Office said that deputies arrested a 16-year-old after they received a cyber tip from Discord about possible school violence.

An investigation revealed the 16-year-old student had ties to a violent online network called “764.”

Authorities, including HCSO and the FBI, say 764 exists within group chats on numerous websites, including Discord, Roblox, and Kik.

The group’s participants target minors and coerce them into videoing or livestreaming themselves committing violent acts.

“An online group, community of juvenile participants who participate in nihilistic violent extremist activities,” HCSO Sergeant Grainger Hendrick said, describing the group. “Anything from self-harm, harm to others, child pornography, violence, bestiality, anything that’s immoral.”

Authorities say the group uses threats, blackmail, and manipulation to coerce minors into violent acts. The footage is then circulated among members of the network.

Hendrick told WMBF that group members will threaten to post the footage online or send it to the victim’s family and friends to continue the extortion and maintain control.

According to Hendrick, the victim impacted by the suspect lives outside of Horry County. Hendrick also said the case had international ties.

Hendrick told WMBF that this is the first time 764 activity has been seen in Horry County, but he believes there are other participants in the area.

“I would definitely say there are other participants in Horry County. This is not a small group,” Hendrick said. “It’s a group that has worldwide connections.”

The suspect, who HCSO said is 16 years old, has not been identified due to their age, but Solicitor Jimmy Richardson told WMBF that the suspect faces charges of exploitation of a minor in the first, second, and third degrees.

Hendrick told WMBF that authorities found “evidence of very violent behavior between two juveniles.”

Deputies urge parents to educate their children and closely monitor their online activity, suggesting ensuring appropriate parental controls are in place and being aware of the apps their children use.

Hendrick said his advice for parents and caregivers looking to keep their children online is simple.

“Keep your kids off the internet,” he said. “Monitor what their kids are doing online, and simply stay off the internet.”

Deputies say parents should also initiate a conversation if their child is communicating with someone they do not know or recognize.

The FBI- Columbia assisted the sheriff’s office in their investigation.

To request the Horry County Sheriff’s Office come and speak to a group or school about online safety, call 843-915-5450.

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