A 13-year-old boy from Florida was taken into custody last Friday on multiple serious charges, including possession of child pornography and sexual content involving animals.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco revealed the arrest Monday, explaining that the boy had been involved in an online group on Discord—a platform popular among gamers and younger audiences—that allegedly promoted harmful behavior among minors.
The probe started after law enforcement received a tip about the group encouraging a young girl to engage in self-harm during a so-called “live cut show,” where such acts are broadcast in real time.
Sheriff Nocco described the group as one rooted in Satanic and neo-Nazi beliefs, ideologies that have been tied to similar cases across various states.
Investigators discovered that the suspect also possessed materials related to mass violence, bomb-making techniques and ways to hide evidence.
“This is a warning to parents and children to be aware of dangers online,” Nocco said, labeling the group “an online cult” that shows a blatant disregard for human life.
Authorities noted that the boy was just 12 years old when his suspicious activity first came to light.
During questioning, he reportedly admitted to urging two other minors to harm themselves.
The investigation remains active, with the FBI assisting local officials. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office declined to provide further details, and Discord has not responded to requests for comment.
This incident is one among multiple cases involving Discord, which has grown increasingly popular with younger users due to its private chat features, according to The Daily Caller.
Law enforcement officials have observed a disturbing rise in extremist groups exploiting the platform to groom children, manipulate their trust and coerce them into dangerous behaviors—sometimes using explicit content as leverage.
Recently, both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and various state prosecutors issued alerts to parents warning about the escalation of extremist networks targeting youths online.
Many of these groups use Satanic and neo-Nazi symbols as recruitment tools to attract vulnerable minors and promote harmful conduct.
Sheriff Nocco stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that these groups often glorify violence and actively recruit young people to participate in dangerous activities.
This arrest forms part of a larger statewide effort in Florida aimed at dismantling networks involved in the exploitation of minors.
Authorities also announced a separate operation leading to multiple arrests related to child exploitation crimes, underscoring ongoing law enforcement commitment.
The Florida case bears resemblance to a recent Wisconsin investigation, where a teenager affiliated with the Order of Nine Angles—a group known for satanic ideology—faces federal charges for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump in an attempt to destabilize society.
That suspect reportedly murdered his parents as part of the alleged plan.
Officials continue to urge parents to vigilantly monitor their children’s internet use, especially on platforms like Discord that facilitate private, unregulated conversations.
The combination of child exploitation and extremist influence online presents a growing public safety threat, requiring joint efforts from tech companies, law enforcement and families to protect vulnerable youth.
