An 18-year-old man from Bangor, Pennsylvania, named Matthew Edward Pysher was arrested by law enforcement for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl in a motel room just outside of Los Angeles. The disturbing incident involved Pysher using a knife to repeatedly cut the victim, as well as choking her to the point where she couldn’t speak. Federal officials announced the arrest on Monday, revealing that Pysher was caught with a knife, lubricant, and razor blades in his possession.
Pysher had been grooming the victim for over two months after meeting her in an internet chat room for individuals with mental health illnesses. Going by the handle “Piano Man,” Pysher engaged in sexual conduct with the underage girl and encouraged her to engage in self-harm. The situation escalated when the girl left a suicide note and ran away from home, prompting law enforcement to act swiftly.
Acting on a tip, officers tracked Pysher to a motel room in Castaic, where they found him with the victim. The discovery of a knife, razor blades, lubricant, and bloody tissues in his possession painted a grim picture of the depraved acts he had committed. Pysher is believed to be associated with an online network of pedophiles known as “764,” which aims to exploit and harm minors.
The arrest of Pysher is part of a broader effort to combat online predators linked to extremist ideologies like “764” and nihilistic violent extremism (NVE). LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized the importance of parents monitoring their children’s online activities and reporting any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. The FBI is actively investigating cases involving child predators, with over 450 ongoing investigations related to online grooming and exploitation.
Pysher is facing charges of traveling to engage in sexual conduct with a minor, a felony that could result in up to 30 years in prison. His arrest comes on the heels of another similar case in LA, where Bryant Gonzalez was apprehended for coercing minor girls into sending sexually explicit videos. The authorities are determined to crack down on online predators and protect vulnerable children from harm.
In light of these disturbing incidents, parents are urged to stay vigilant and educate their children about online safety. The prevalence of online predators targeting minors underscores the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to safeguard young individuals from harm. The fight against online exploitation and grooming requires a collective effort from law enforcement, parents, and the community to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
