U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal grand jury in Roanoke has indicted a Moneta, Va. man on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, stalking, and possession of child pornography. The indictment alleges that Evan Strauss, 26, also known as "Reaper" and "Kobe Deonsons," led a group involved in extorting and "swatting" individuals online.
Strauss faces one count each of stalking and coercion and enticement, two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, and one count of possession of child pornography.
Court documents reveal that Strauss met "Minor A," a 17-year-old girl from Wyoming, online on November 1, 2023. Over several months, he allegedly used various electronic communications to harass and intimidate her. When the victim refused to provide nude photos or videos, Strauss reportedly became controlling and threatening.
In one instance, after discovering the victim's home address, Strauss threatened to "swat" her if she did not comply with his demands for nude pictures or self-harm. He also threatened violence against her family and claimed to have killed animals before as proof of his seriousness. The victim complied out of concern for her family's safety.
On January 24, 2024, FBI agents interviewed Strauss during a search of his residence. They seized an iPhone containing multiple explicit videos and images involving young girls. These included pictures showing Minor A with “Reaper” carved into her thigh.
Strauss admitted using the username “Reaper” and claimed membership in an online group called the “Community,” which he said engages in criminal activities such as swatting calls, hacking, blackmailing for money, and extorting explicit content from women and girls.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division announced the indictment today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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