A Moneta, Virginia man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to stalking and possessing child pornography. Evan Strauss, 26, also known online as “Reaper” and “Kobe Deonsons,” admitted in November 2024 to one count of stalking and one count of possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney C. Todd Gilbert commented on the sentencing: “This sentence reflects the serious nature of these crimes and the real danger young people face in today’s online environment. Far too often we see young people get involved in an online relationship that quickly leads to bullying, harassment, abuse, and other abhorrent and predatory behavior. However, when that behavior turns criminal, like in this case, the Department of Justice will do everything within its power to protect victims of crime and hold perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent possible.”
Stephen Farina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, said: “The internet offers young people an accessible way to find a sense of belonging. Predators like Strauss and others involved in the ‘Community’ hide behind their screens, preying on these unsuspecting victims. This sentencing should be a reminder that if you seek to manipulate, threaten, and extort minors you cannot hide. The FBI will work with our local, state, and federal partners to find you and bring you to justice.”
Court documents show that Strauss met a 17-year-old girl from Wyoming online on November 1, 2023. Over several months he used various digital platforms to harass her and monitor her activities. After gaining personal information about her family through research online, Strauss threatened harm unless she complied with his demands for explicit images or acts of self-harm.
Strauss’s threats included making false emergency calls (“swatting”), threatening violence against her family members and pets, or having her sisters removed by social services. He also claimed past violent acts against animals as proof he was serious.
The victim eventually complied with his requests out of fear for her family’s safety; at his direction she carved his username into her thigh.
On January 24, 2024 FBI agents searched Strauss’s home following an interview with him. They found evidence including an iPhone containing videos and images depicting naked underage girls or girls engaging in self-harm—among them were photos involving Minor A.
Strauss told investigators he was part of a group called the “Community,” which consisted of around 200 individuals who engaged in various forms of cybercrime such as swatting calls, hacking attempts for financial gain or blackmail purposes (https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ccips/cyberstalking), as well as coercing women or girls into providing explicit content or committing acts harmful to themselves.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation into this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff is prosecuting.
