VERNON, Conn — A 17-year-old from Vernon is facing several charges after a year-long investigation into bomb threats and swatting incidents, police said.
Vernon police said the threats were 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. The threats were ultimately deemed non-credible.
Officials said the teen was part of a violent online group known as "764." This group is responsible for thousands of threats and other crimes that have happened around the world. Vernon police said the group also targets minors on publicly available messaging and gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord.
Police said these groups use threats, blackmail, and manipulation to control victims into documenting these acts. Then, the footage is circulated among members to extort victims further and exert control over them. The group also uses swatting and doxing as a tactic of extortion, according to officials.
Vernon police worked alongside the FBI, Connecticut State Police, Manchester, South Windsor, and Ellington police in the investigation.
The teen was charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit threatening (against a public school), first-degree conspiracy to falsely report an incident (bomb threat), and second-degree conspiracy to commit breach of peace.
Vernon officials are encouraging parents and guardians to monitor their children's online activity closely and to educate themselves on groups like "764."
They also ask parents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of self-harm or suicide, including sudden behavioral changes (becoming withdrawn, moody, or irritable, etc.), sudden changes in appearance, changes in eating or sleeping habits, dropping out of activities, and becoming more isolated and withdrawn. They also ask parents to watch for any scars that are often in patterns, fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, burns, or other wounds.
The investigation remains open. Vernon police ask anyone with information, questions, or concerns to call Detective Thomas Van Tasel at 860-77209126 ext. 3767 or email tvantasel@vernon-ct.gov.
---
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
Apple App Store: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
