Feds: Local man tied to extremist network that exploits minors

ALBANY―A Ravena man who is allegedly part of an extremist group that targets minors on social media is facing child pornography charges.

Ryan Catello, 24, who federal officials say also goes by the names “Stabzone,” and “Mors,” appeared in federal court in Albany on Wednesday after being charged with receiving child pornography.

According to the criminal complaint, between March 18 and March 27, Catello sexually exploited at least two minors by coercing them into self-producing images of child pornography and then allegedly received those images files via the Internet.

The complaint further alleges that Catello is a member of “764,” a criminal organization of Nihilistic Violent Extremists (NVE) operating within the United States and abroad.

Those involved with “764” and related NVE networks methodically target vulnerable, underage populations by using social media to encourage the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sexual abuse material, federal officials said.

“Members of 764 seek to desensitize young people to violence and break down societal norms regarding violence. They normalize the possession, production, and sharing of explicit CSAM and gore material to corrupt and groom their victims toward future violence, gain notoriety among other members of the network, and spread fear for the purpose of accelerating chaos under the 764 ideology with an aim toward the disruption of society,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As of last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had 250 investigations into “764” underway across all of its 55 nationwide field offices.

“Preying on our nation’s children, who are among the most vulnerable members of society, is beyond comprehension,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli said the agency is “laser focused on investigating the predators connected to this sick network and ensuring they are brought to justice for their disturbing behavior.”

The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police.

The charge filed against Catello carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life.  

Catello was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday, May 1.