Pennsylvania man traveled to California to meet 13-year-old, DOJ says

Federal officials say an 18-year-old from Pennsylvania traveled to California after grooming a 13-year-old online; law enforcement located the pair, and he has been charged and is scheduled to appear in court.

Federal prosecutors say an 18-year-old from Pennsylvania traveled to California to meet a 13-year-old he had contacted online. The Department of Justice released a complaint and held a press briefing describing the allegations. Officials reported the interactions began on a Discord server and included encouragement of self-harm. Law enforcement located the pair at a motel after obtaining emergency disclosures. Known details: - The complaint, filed in Los Angeles, charges Matthew Edward Pysher with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. - Authorities say Pysher communicated with the minor via a Discord server and encouraged sexually explicit material and self-harm. - Officials say Pysher traveled from Bangor, Pennsylvania to Los Angeles on Feb. 20 and was found with the minor at a motel in Castaic after law enforcement intervened. - The DOJ stated Pysher is associated with a nihilistic violent extremist group and that investigators expect his devices may contain further evidence; he is scheduled to make a first court appearance in downtown Los Angeles. Summary: Officials report the case involves alleged online grooming, travel to meet a minor, and plans for a joint suicide, and that law enforcement intervened before those plans were carried out. Pysher has been charged in federal court and is set to appear for an initial hearing; further proceedings are pending.