Five individuals have been indicted in Brooklyn federal court for their alleged roles in an online child exploitation enterprise known as “Greggy’s Cult.” The indictment charges Hector Bermudez, Zachary Dosch, Rumaldo Valdez, David Brilhante, and Camden Rodriguez with participating in a conspiracy to produce, receive, and distribute child pornography, as well as conspiring to communicate interstate threats. Four of the defendants were arrested across the United States; Valdez is already incarcerated on another federal matter.
According to authorities, the group operated primarily through Discord servers, where they allegedly coerced minors into producing sexually explicit material and then distributed it among themselves and others. The indictment details conduct between January 2020 and January 2021 that included encouraging self-harm and attempting to extort both minor and adult victims.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the case: “No child should ever be terrorized or exploited online, and no online platform should give refuge to predators. The Department of Justice will continue to protect children, support survivors, and hold accountable anyone who preys on the vulnerable – online or offline – with every tool we have.”
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. stated: “As alleged, the defendants leveraged a popular internet platform to coerce minors into creating grotesque child pornography of themselves, which the defendants distributed, and then tormented these victims with the images, not only encouraging self-harm, but also encouraging some minors to commit suicide. The defendants’ conduct, as alleged, is monstrous and will be vigorously prosecuted. I strongly urge parents and caregivers to speak to their children about the dangers of communicating with strangers on social media and how to seek help from adults and law enforcement in these situations.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti said: “These defendants are charged with the unspeakable act of coercing and blackmailing children and adults to engage in self-harm and other degrading acts. As demonstrated by today’s indictment, the Criminal Division will not stand for such heinous crimes, and we will work tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice.”
FBI New York Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia added: “These five defendants allegedly coerced children to share videos subjecting themselves to brutal sexual abuse, while also encouraging self-harm and suicide. The defendants allegedly weaponized online gaming platforms to target unsuspecting minors and use them to satisfy the horrendous desires of a twisted group. The FBI will never cease its pursuit of those who prowl the web for innocent victims to torment and exploit in their sick games.”
David Porter from FBI Honolulu said: “The defendants allegedly coordinated efforts to exploit minors through the creation and distribution of sexually explicit material, coerced children to commit self-harm, and extorted their victims in a variety of ways. The FBI will stop at nothing in its pursuit of violent predators targeting the children in our communities and will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle the enterprise networks responsible for these heinous acts.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch stated: “The five individuals charged in this case allegedly used gaming and social-media platforms to target and coerce minors into sexually abusive acts, recorded that abuse, and distributed it across an online network. This case underscores how easily predators can embed themselves in the digital platforms that minors use. The NYPD and our federal partners have been focused on uncovering and dismantling online groups that prey on children, and today’s indictment reflects the progress of that work. I want to thank the NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their persistence and dedication to bringing these offenders to justice.”
The indictment alleges that members found victims via Discord servers or gaming platforms such as Roblox or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. They are accused of demanding degrading acts from victims—including inserting objects into their bodies—and using malware or threats as leverage.
Authorities remind that all charges are allegations until proven guilty in court.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation by coordinating federal resources with state agencies.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel (Eastern District of New York) alongside Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills (Department of Justice Child Exploitation & Obscenity Section).
If you believe you may be a victim or have information regarding this case or its defendants you are encouraged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.justice.gov/psc
The named defendants are:
Hector Bermudez (29), Queens; Zachary Dosch (26), Albuquerque; Rumaldo Valdez (22), Honolulu; David Brilhante (28), San Diego; Camden Rodriguez (22), Longmont.
