Five individuals identified as leaders of an online group called "Greggy's Cult" were charged today with sexually exploiting children on the internet, according to an indictment unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn. The charges include participating in a child exploitation enterprise, conspiracy to produce child pornography, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, and conspiracy to communicate interstate threats. The U.S. Attorney's office stated that the accused allegedly located victims through gaming platforms and Discord servers, pressured them into creating explicit material, and then distributed it among themselves and online.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella addressed the seriousness of the allegations against the accused. Hector Bermudez, Zachary Dosch, Rumaldo Valdez, David Brilhante, and Camden Rodriguez allegedly operated across multiple states, using video calls on Discord and other platforms to record abusive acts. Authorities report that four of the defendants were arrested, while Valdez is already serving a sentence for a separate federal case. The indictment follows statements from Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasizing that children should not be exploited and that online platforms should not facilitate such activity.
The investigation alleges that the defendants coerced minors into harmful behavior, including self-harm and suicide, and distributed explicit child abuse material. FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia stated that the defendants reportedly used online platforms to identify and target victims, using gaming and social media interactions that led to sexual exploitation and psychological abuse.
The investigation involved coordination between the New York City Police Department and federal agencies. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch highlighted that digital platforms are accessible to potential predators. Officials noted that the charges are allegations and have not been proven in court. Anyone with information regarding victims or the case has been asked to contact the FBI. The indictment is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on preventing child sexual exploitation.
The Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section is handling the prosecution, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills leading the case. The indictment and arrests are part of law enforcement actions targeting networks accused of exploiting children through digital platforms.
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