Virginia Man Charged with Child Exploitation, Stalking, Possession of Child Pornography

ROANOKE, Va. – A federal grand jury in Roanoke returned an indictment yesterday charging a Moneta, Va. man with sexual exploitation of a child, stalking, and possession of child pornography in relation to his leadership role of a group of individuals who extort and “swat” individuals online.

Evan Strauss, 26, a.k.a. “Reaper” and “Kobe Deonsons,” was charged with 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. Strauss, a Moneta, Va. resident, was identified as the leader of a group of around 200 individuals known as the “Community,” which participates in various online criminal activities, including hacking, blackmailing, and extorting women and girls.

According to court documents, Strauss met 17-year-old girl from Wyoming, known as “Minor A,” online on November 1, 2023. Strauss used various interactive computer services and electronic communications to harass and intimidate Minor A and place her under surveillance. When the victim refused to provide nude photos or videos, Strauss became controlling and threatened to “swat” her if she did not comply.

Concerned for her family, the victim eventually gave into Strauss’s demands. Strauss directed the victim to carve his online username, Reaper, into her upper thigh. During a search of Strauss’s residence on January 24, 2024, FBI agents seized an iPhone containing multiple videos and images of young girls who are naked and/or cutting themselves, including pictures of Minor A with “Reaper” carved into her thigh.

When questioned by FBI agents, Strauss admitted to being an active member of the Community and operating a sub-group within the group known as “Purgatory.” Strauss proclaimed that the Community participates in hacking, blackmailing, and extorting women and girls for explicit photos or videos.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.