DETROIT — A man from Michigan faced the consequences of his actions as he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Thursday after admitting to his role in the exploitation of a young girl. The case is part of a larger investigation into a troubling online community that encourages children to engage in self-harm and produce sexually abusive content.

Richard Densmore was connected to a group named 764, which operates internationally and specifically targets vulnerable children, including those who are dealing with mental health issues, according to statements made by the U.S. Justice Department.

Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen expressed deep concerns about the activities of this group, stating, “They aim to inflict unimaginable harm on minors in a quest to disrupt societal norms, foster civil strife, and ultimately undermine government institutions.”

During the federal court sentencing in Lansing, U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou imposed the maximum penalty on the 47-year-old Densmore. Mark Totten, the U.S. attorney for western Michigan, articulated the severity of Densmore’s offenses, noting, “It is truly challenging to adequately convey the depravity surrounding Mr. Densmore’s actions and the significant threat posed by criminal entities such as 764.”

In July, Densmore pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, admitting to receiving a video that depicted a nude girl with his nickname inscribed on her body. Government court documents indicated Densmore had more victims and had gained notoriety among his associates as a result of his actions.

The defense attorney, Christopher Gibbons, did not respond promptly to requests for comments after the sentencing session. Nonetheless, he stated in court documents that Densmore, an Army veteran, had taken full responsibility for his misconduct.

Gibbons asserted, “He has not attempted to downplay the severity or immorality of his behavior.” Furthermore, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Townshend shed light on the disturbing nature of Densmore’s network, explaining that he and others would boast about possessing images of children engaging in self-harm, which they considered as treasures or leverage to further manipulate and coerce more children into a cycle of ongoing abuse.