Vernon police arrest juvenile over threats

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VERNON, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Vernon police arrest a 17-year-old juvenile in connection with a conspiracy to make several bomb and swatting threats to local schools and places of worship.

Working alongside the FBI, Connecticut State Police, Manchester, South Windsor and Ellington Police Departments, Vernon investigators determined that threats made to Vernon and Ellington schools, the Ellington Historical Society, places of worship in Vernon, Manchester and South Windsor, a library in Easton, and the Connecticut State Library were all connected and deemed non-credible.

Additionally, it was found that the juvenile was part of a violent online group that is responsible for thousands of threats and other crimes that have occurred around the globe.

The group, known as “764”, also targets minor victims on publicly available messaging and gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord to extort them into recording or live-streaming acts of self-harm, producing child sex abuse material, harming animals, murder or other violent acts

According to Vernon police, these groups use threats, blackmail, and manipulation to control the victims into recording or live-streaming these acts; the footage is then circulated among members to extort victims further and exert control over them. The group also uses the tactics of “swatting” and “doxing” the victims as a means of extortion.

Vernon Police encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activity closely, and educate themselves on groups like “764”.

Anyone with information, questions or concerns can contact Det. Thomas Van Tasel at 860-872-9126 ext. 3767 or tvantasel@vernon-ct.gov.