FBI Links Casino Bomb Threat Suspect to Online Network That Coerces Children Into Self-Harm

A Northern Ireland man accused of making bomb and mass-shooting threats against several US casinos has been identified by the FBI as a high-ranking member of a disturbing online network that targets vulnerable children, a court has heard.

Jack Bogle, 21, of Strabane, County Tyrone, allegedly operated under the online alias “Decay” while threatening Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, Hollywood Park Casino in California, and Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Kentucky.

He is accused of falsely claiming explosives had been planted at the properties and demanding $5,000 and a BMW from Mohegan Sun. He also allegedly threatened to carry out a mass shooting at Turfway Park.

According to court proceedings reported Friday (Oct. 16) by Northern Irish journalist Tanya Fowles for Armagh I, Bogle faces numerous charges related to threats, blackmail, and unauthorized computer access.

His alleged targets also included Denver International Airport, the World Trade Center shopping complex in New York, and a North Carolina hospital.

In one particularly bizarre demand, he allegedly sought $80,000 and “a very fast car” from a Texas nuclear power plant.

Disturbing Network

A detective told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court that the FBI had contacted Northern Irish police and identified Bogle as a high-ranking member of the network, which allegedly coerces vulnerable young people into recording acts of self-harm or other abuse.

The FBI’s description closely resembles “764,” which the agency has described as “a violent online group made-up of individuals who seek to coerce and manipulate children into engaging in unspeakable acts against themselves, animals, and other children, even suicide.”

However, 764 was not identified by name in the court reporting, and it is unclear whether investigators believe there is a connection.

Bogle was arrested in February and released on bail, but was rearrested Thursday (Oct. 15) after police alleged he breached restrictions on internet use. Images posted online allegedly showed him holding firearms.

District Judge Francis Rafferty denied bail Friday, remanding Bogle in custody until a November 5 hearing.

Casino Bomb-Hoax Wave

The allegations raise questions about a spate of bomb hoaxes that disrupted US casinos earlier this year and occurred within Bogle’s alleged offending period.

On January 15, Parkwest Bicycle Casino in California was evacuated after a caller threatened a shooting and bombing unless paid $50,000. On January 31, bomb threats forced evacuations at several Oklahoma tribal casinos, including Comanche Nation Casino, with the FBI assisting tribal police. Hospitals were also targeted during the Oklahoma bomb-hoax wave.

The FBI declined to comment when asked by Casino.org whether the cases were linked.