Today in Baltimore, Evan Strauss, 27, from Moneta, Virginia, pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges including conspiracy and cyberstalking. The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Amanda M. Koldjeski of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office.
Strauss was involved in an online group called "Purgatory" that used social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram to coordinate swatting and doxxing activities. Swatting involves falsely reporting emergencies to provoke an armed police response, while doxxing refers to publishing personal information online with malicious intent.
Between December 2023 and January 2024, Strauss and his co-conspirators placed swatting calls across various locations using VOIP services to hide their identities. Notably, they targeted Newark High School in Delaware and Albany International Airport in New York with false threats.
Strauss faces up to 10 years for each count of threatening damage or destruction by fire or explosive and five years for other charges. Co-conspirators Brayden Grace from Ohio and Owen Jarboe from Maryland have also pleaded guilty.
The sentencing is scheduled for November 6 at 10 a.m., where a federal judge will determine the penalties based on guidelines and statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI's efforts in the investigation as well as assistance from various police departments across several states.
For more details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its resources, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
