Urgent Update: 19-Year-Old Charged with Animal Crushing, Child Exploitation

UPDATE: A federal grand jury has just indicted Tony Christopher Long, a 19-year-old from Porterville, California, on multiple serious charges including animal crushing and sexual exploitation of a minor. This alarming case, linked to a violent extremist group known as “764,” raises urgent concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations.

The indictment, returned on October 27, 2023, in the Eastern District of California, details numerous offenses including two counts of animal crushing, possession of child exploitation material, cyberstalking, and transmitting threats across state lines. Long is currently in state custody facing related charges.

Authorities report that the animal cruelty incidents occurred on or about November 4 and December 4 in Tulare County, roughly 165 miles north of Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, animal crushing refers to acts that inflict serious bodily injury on living animals, including torture methods such as crushing, burning, or drowning.

“This defendant allegedly engaged in acts of extreme cruelty by exploiting a child and abusing animals,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “His conduct reflects the depravity of ‘764,’ a group that seeks to terrorize and destabilize our communities.”

The indictment highlights Long’s connections to the criminal organization, described by officials as a network of nihilistic extremists who aim to collapse societal structures through chaos and violence. This group preys on vulnerable individuals, including minors, to further their destructive agenda.

In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Long allegedly exploited a juvenile victim living in Washington state and targeted another juvenile in Kern County, California, through cyberstalking and online threats. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 30 years for sexual exploitation, with potential total penalties amounting to 76 years and fines of up to $250,000 for each charge.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency’s commitment to eradicating threats to children: “The FBI has no tolerance for anyone who preys on children or other vulnerable members of society. We will work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who engages in such reprehensible activity.”

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorney Eric Grant underscored the seriousness of the charges: “My office will vigorously investigate and prosecute offenses committed by NVE groups, including those alleged to have been committed by Long against young and vulnerable victims.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of Long’s activities and connections to the extremist group. As this case develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for vigilance in safeguarding our communities.

For ongoing updates, stay tuned as law enforcement works to dismantle this disturbing network and bring justice to the victims involved.