A federal grand jury in Arizona has issued a 29-count superseding indictment against Baron Cain Martin, known online as “Convict,” 21, of Tucson. The charges include participating in a child exploitation enterprise, conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, conspiring to kill, kidnap or maim persons in a foreign country, producing and distributing child pornography, coercing minors into sexual activity, cyberstalking, animal crushing and distributing animal crush videos, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Martin has been in federal custody since his arrest on December 11, 2024.
“This man’s alleged crimes are unthinkably depraved and reflect the horrific danger of 764 — if convicted, he will face severe consequences as we work to dismantle this evil network,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I urge parents to remain vigilant about the threats their children face online.”
“Martin is charged with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, participating in a child exploitation enterprise, and producing child pornography, among many others,” said FBI Director Patel. “His actions as a leader of this criminal network were so atrocious and extreme that he is charged with supporting terrorism. It's alleged that Martin not only committed these crimes but wrote and posted a guide for others to use to identify, groom, and extort their own victims. The FBI will not stop until we find those who perpetrate these horrific crimes that prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
“Martin stands accused of engaging in conduct specifically intended to inflict pain, spread fear, and destroy innocence,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “His alleged actions targeting children as part of the 764 online terror network are so depraved they defy comprehension. We will use every available tool to protect our children and ensure that those who perpetrate such acts of pure evil face the full force of justice.”
“The defendant’s alleged actions in this case are an assault on the basic foundations of human decency,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine stated. “While cowardly hiding his identity behind a screen and a moniker, Mr. Martin preyed upon vulnerable victims while promoting some of the sickest forms of human depravity. It is an honor for the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona to fight against this nihilistic violence by bringing the full weight of American justice against its proponents.”
According to court documents cited by authorities, Martin was identified as both member and leader within "764," described as an organization involving Nihilistic Violent Extremists (NVEs) operating domestically and internationally. Members allegedly targeted underage individuals through social media platforms by encouraging them to possess or produce violent content including child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and gore media.
The indictment alleges that since around 2019 Martin used various online identities while acting as participant or administrator in chatrooms associated with "764." He is accused of coercing several victims into creating illegal images or videos—including those depicting animal cruelty—and writing an instructional guide advising others how best to target vulnerable juveniles for grooming or extortion.
Further allegations state that Martin conspired with others overseas; notably in September 2022 when he allegedly participated in directing a victim outside the United States toward self-harm or worse outcomes.
Additional counts involve use of electronic communications during plots such as murder-for-hire schemes or wire fraud conspiracies.
In total at least nine people were identified as victims; eight were minors between ages eleven and fifteen at time offenses occurred according to prosecutors’ filings.
If convicted on all counts Martin could receive up-to-life sentences for several charges including participation in a child exploitation enterprise; individual charges carry maximums ranging from ten years up-to-life imprisonment depending on offense specifics alongside potential fines reaching $250,000 per count plus supervised release terms possibly lasting his lifetime.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation into these matters.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liza Granoff and Kevin Schiff (District of Arizona), along with Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are leading prosecution efforts.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a Department-of-Justice-led initiative begun May 2006 aiming at preventing internet-facilitated exploitation/abuse involving minors nationwide through coordinated law enforcement action (more information available at www.justice.gov/psc).
Federal officials emphasized continued vigilance against networks like "764" which seek out young or otherwise vulnerable targets via digital means for purposes ranging from sharing CSAM/gore materials through manipulation toward violent acts—sometimes resulting even in suicide or homicide—and urged adults responsible for minors’ safety online refer also to related FBI resources: Parents, Caregivers, Teachers — FBI and the FBI’s March 2025 public service announcement.
It is noted that an indictment constitutes only allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt before court.
