South Jersey man charged with cyberstalking a 13-year-old girl and coercing her into self-harm.
A 21-year-old man from Egg Harbor Township faces significant legal challenges following his arrest on charges of cyberstalking a 13-year-old girl. The federal prosecution, led by Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, alleges that Marek Cherkaoui engaged in a disturbing pattern of online harassment linked to a child sextortion network known as “764”. According to court documents, Cherkaoui’s actions included threatening the young girl, who subsequently harmed herself on camera.
Cherkaoui was taken into custody on Friday and was ordered to remain detained following his initial court appearance. The nature of the allegations against him is particularly severe, showcasing a troubling pattern of behavior that has drawn the interest of federal investigators. The network “764” has been under scrutiny for its role in facilitating child exploitation, with multiple young men allegedly involved in coercing minors to produce explicit content.
The complaint indicates that Cherkaoui not only celebrated the actions of members within this network but also made derogatory remarks about minority communities, praised perpetrators of violent acts, and expressed deeply concerning views about his sexual preferences. These statements have raised alarm among law enforcement and child protection advocates alike.
In June, a search warrant was executed at Cherkaoui’s residence, leading to the seizure of pertinent electronic devices. Despite law enforcement’s efforts, Cherkaoui managed to obtain a new phone and continued his online harassment. His posts reportedly included malicious statements regarding vulnerable individuals, highlighting a concerning fascination with targeting marginalized youth.
The 13-year-old victim, who resides in Passaic County, New Jersey, came into contact with Cherkaoui in late 2024. Under threat of doxxing—where personal information is released online—she was coerced into self-harm. This manipulation culminated in multiple incidents where she felt compelled to cut her skin in a horrific display of compliance with Cherkaoui’s orders.
Cherkaoui’s behavior raises pressing concerns about the risks posed by online communities that encourage harmful interactions between individuals, often targeting minors. Federal authorities are committed to combating such networks, as they pose significant threats to children and society as a whole.
If convicted of cyberstalking a minor, Cherkaoui faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and potential fines of up to 0,000. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case signifies a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable populations from online exploitation and harassment.
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