Overview
- Jose Pagan Jr., 14, was arrested Jan. 31 in Wimauma and faces counts including a written or electronic threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism, in-state transmission of child pornography, 14 solicitation/possession counts, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
- Detectives say they found multiple firearms and ammunition in the home, including a gun in the father's nightstand that the teen could easily access, as well as electronic devices containing child sexual abuse material.
- Sheriff Chad Chronister said the teen engaged in an online chat room for violent extremists and was allegedly linked to a neo-Nazi Satanic group, identified by some outlets and officials as Tempel ov Blood.
- Authorities reported discovering 14 extremely graphic images involving violence against infants and toddlers, with the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Internet Predator Unit involved in the ongoing forensic review.
- Law enforcement has increased its presence at two nearby churches as a precaution, and the State Attorney’s Office is reviewing whether to pursue additional charges and potentially try the suspect as an adult.