Downey man accused of sexually exploiting kids online

(Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

DOWNEY — A Downey man accused of targeting kids "for sexual exploitation online" through his role in a network of "violent extremists" was arrested this week on a federal charge of possession of child pornography, prosecutors said Friday.

Dong Hwan Kim, 27, was arrested Wednesday at his home by members of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

A complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court alleges several underage females reported Kim bullied them and other girls into producing and sending him pictures and videos of themselves engaging in sexual acts.

The girls stated that Kim attempted to extort them by threatening to send naked photographs to the victims' family and others or post them online if they did not comply with his demands for more, federal prosecutors allege.

The U.S. Attorney's Office contends that Kim was part of "764," an online group of "nihilistic" violent extremists who target children for sexual exploitation on the internet. Prosecutors allege the group's goals include hastening "the downfall of the current world order," including the federal government.

Information regarding Kim's legal representation was not immediately available.

Prosecutors say that according to one victim, Kim ran an online server where he and others created, posted and traded child pornography, and extorted minors to write on their skin and cut themselves.

If convicted, Kim faces up to 20 years in federal prison, prosecutors noted.

Kim is apparently the second Los Angeles man charged in connection with "764." In April, Jose Henry Ayala Casamiro, 28, of the San Fernando Valley was arrested on federal charges alleging he also targeted children for sexual exploitation online and possessed child pornography. He is scheduled to go to trial Dec. 9 in downtown Los Angeles.