Federal Investigation into Airman Uncovered Extremist Ties, Led to Child Pornography Charges

Source: Military.com

Federal Investigation into Airman Uncovered Extremist Ties, Led to Child Pornography Charges

Military.com | By Thomas Novelly
Updated March 22, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. Eastern | Published March 22, 2024 at 3:32pm ET

An airman stationed with an intelligence unit in Alaska who was investigated by federal officials in 2022 was found to be involved with online extremist groups. The investigation ultimately led to his arrest on child pornography charges, according to federal documents made public this week.

Jason Gray, then a staff sergeant with the Air Force's 381st Intelligence Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, used Discord -- a popular social media chat room -- under the username "LazyAirmen#7460." He often posted in Discord channels in support of the Boogaloo movement, an anti-government extremist ideology with followers who believe a second U.S. civil war is coming, as well as "dark humor, funny memes, and dissatisfaction with the United States Government," according to a search warrant affidavit.

The Alaska airman told Air Force special investigators in September 2022 that he was "the administrator for an anti-government, anti-authority social media page" and also "admitted to creating a Facebook page for Boogaloo adherents titled 'CNN journalist Support Group,'" a federal search warrant states.

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Authorities said Gray made the Boogaloo Facebook page because he was dissatisfied with being stationed in Alaska.

"Gray was upset and disgruntled with his permanent change of station (PCS) to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). Gray was upset due to the delays and efficiency of the process," the affidavit supporting a search warrant states.

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Read more: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/03/22/federal-investigation-airman-uncovered-extremist-ties-led-child-pornography-charges.html