LOS ANGELES (WOLF) — An 18-year-old man from Bangor Borough in Northampton County is facing federal charges in California after investigators say he groomed a 13-year-old girl online and then flew across the country to meet her.
Federal authorities say Matthew Edward Pysher was arrested Friday night at a motel in Castaic, California. He’s charged with traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct — a felony that carries a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
According to court documents, the case began earlier this month when the girl’s mother contacted the FBI. She told agents she was concerned her daughter had been communicating online with someone named “Matthew” who was encouraging her to harm herself.
Investigators say the two met on Discord, a social media platform, in a group centered on mental health topics. Authorities allege that over a period of several weeks, Pysher persuaded the girl — who had recently turned 13 — to send sexually explicit images and engage in acts of self-harm.
On February 20th, investigators say Pysher flew from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and met the girl near her home before taking her to a motel in Castaic.
When law enforcement located them inside the room, court documents say officers found condoms, lubricant, a knife, razor blades, bloody tissues, and a boarding pass showing travel from Pennsylvania to California. Investigators also recovered a Faraday bag, a device used to block electronic signals, near his cellphone.
According to the criminal complaint, the girl told authorities that sexual activity occurred and that she was cut with a knife.
Federal officials say they are also examining potential ties to online extremist networks that target vulnerable minors through manipulation and coercion.
The FBI is asking anyone who believes they may have had contact with Pysher or who may be a victim to contact them directly at 310-477-6565 or at 1-800-CALL-FBI.