ROANOKE, VA – Evan Strauss, 26, of Moneta, Virginia, is facing a barrage of federal charges following an indictment returned yesterday by a Roanoke grand jury. Strauss, also known online as “Reaper” and “Kobe Deonsons,” stands accused of sexual exploitation of a child, stalking, and possession of child pornography – all stemming from his alleged leadership role in a depraved online group dedicated to extortion and “swatting” victims.
The indictment details a horrifying pattern of abuse directed toward a 17-year-old girl from Wyoming, identified as “Minor A.” Court documents reveal that Strauss initiated contact with the victim on November 1, 2023, and quickly escalated to relentless harassment, intimidation, and surveillance. When Minor A refused his demands for explicit images, Strauss reportedly became violently controlling, unleashing verbal abuse and escalating to direct threats.
The threats weren’t empty. Strauss allegedly discovered Minor A’s home address and threatened to subject her and her family to a “swatting” attack – a dangerous and often deadly hoax involving false reports to emergency services. He then allegedly upped the ante, threatening to kill her, her family, and even her pet cat, boasting of prior animal cruelty to prove his willingness to follow through. Driven by fear for her family’s safety, the victim ultimately succumbed to Strauss’s demands, including self-harm.
The most disturbing detail revealed in court documents is that Strauss directed Minor A to carve his online username, “Reaper,” into her upper thigh. This act of forced self-mutilation is a chilling illustration of the extent of his control and the victim’s desperation. A search of Strauss’s residence on January 24, 2024, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, uncovered an iPhone containing graphic images and videos, including photos of Minor A bearing the carved inscription and other self-inflicted wounds, as well as a surreptitious recording of the victim engaging in a sexual act.
But Strauss’s alleged crimes don’t end with this single victim. During questioning, he admitted to being an active member of a 200-person online group known as the “Community” and leading a subgroup called “Purgatory.” According to Strauss, the Community engages in a range of criminal activities, including swatting, hacking, blackmail, and the systematic exploitation of women and girls – coercing them into sending explicit photos and videos and committing acts of self-harm for the group’s amusement and profit.
“This case represents a particularly egregious example of online exploitation and the real-world harm it can inflict,” stated United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey on vulnerable individuals and use the internet to facilitate their crimes.” Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, added that the investigation is ongoing. Strauss faces one count of stalking, one count of coercion and enticement, two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, and one count of possession of child pornography. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff is prosecuting the case. It is crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an allegation, and Strauss is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Related Federal Cases
- “Reaper” Gets 15 Years for Online Stalking & Child Porn · Wyoming
- Justice Faces 20 Years for Child Pornography · West Virginia
- Pedophile Caught, Faces 10 Years for Child Porn · West Virginia
- Virginia Man Charged with Child Exploitation, Stalking, Possession of Child Pornography · Wyoming
- WV Biz Owner Cashed In on COVID Chaos · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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