SAN ANTONIO — Alexis Chavez, 19, of San Antonio, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of participating in a violent extremist group identified as 764, according to federal authorities.

Justin Simmons, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, stated: "Alexis Chávez was part of a group called 764. They style themselves as a nihilistic violent extremist group." Simmons added that those who adhere to this ideology "really are seeking to bring down the United States government and modern society in general." He further noted they aim to achieve this "[b]asically by corrupting our youth through horrible acts committed online."

The FBI is currently investigating over 500 subjects tied to violent online networks, a figure more than double the number recorded at this time last summer. Daniel Faith, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Antonio division, stated: "The FBI is currently investigating over 500 subjects who are tied to violent online networks, more than double the number at this time last summer." Faith added that the bureau is "working around the clock with our partners to identify offenders, dismantle their networks and hold them accountable." Cases involving violent extremists targeting children online increased 300% in the San Antonio area over a two-year period, according to the FBI.

Simmons also provided guidance for parents, suggesting the use of commercially available monitoring software to track children's online activity. "If you are going to give your kids access to internet, there are plenty of commercially available monitoring types of software out there that you can use to keep close track of what your kids are looking at, who they're talking to," Simmons said. He concluded: "There's good for parents out there. The power is in your hands."