Tampa Teen Arrested on Serious Charges
A 14-year-old boy has been taken into custody by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida, facing accusations of terrorism and child pornography.
Sheriff Chad Chronister stated that the threats of gang violence and child exploitation are some of the most egregious offenses his department encounters, and this particular case was no different.
According to reports, officers received a tip on January 31 that Jose Pagan Jr. had procured firearms and was planning a shooting at a church near his home in Wimauma. Following this information, law enforcement searched the home of his parents and found weapons, ammunition, and disturbing electronic devices featuring graphic child pornography.
The sheriff mentioned that Pagan was identified as wearing a No Lives Matter T-shirt, which allegedly has connections to neo-Nazi satanic groups. His intentions to carry out a church shooting were reportedly expressed in an online chat room linked to violent extremist elements.
Initially referred to as “Temple of Love” by Sheriff Chronister, the group was later confirmed by his office to be “Temple of Blood.”
As detailed in the Mapping Extremism Project, Temple of Blood presents itself as a blend of traditional satanic practices and extremist religious beliefs. A known FBI informant, Joshua Caleb Sutter, who has a history of promoting neo-Nazi messages, has been actively pursuing the group out of South Carolina.
It’s worth noting that Temple of Blood is described as the American wing of the Nine Angles, a notorious global satanic cult that promotes anti-Semitism, hatred toward Christianity, and reverence for figures like Hitler. Reports suggest that members have previously encouraged underage victims to take drastic actions, including suicide.
The sheriff noted that, prior to the search warrant execution, his office had received intel from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force regarding a potential mass shooting. Additionally, there was information about possible child pornography being accessed from the same location.
During the search, detectives discovered 14 graphic images depicting acts of violence against infants and young children. Sheriff Chronister remarked that these images were too disturbing to be discussed, highlighting their distressing nature.
Most firearms found in the house were securely stored in safes; however, one accessible firearm was reportedly located on the father’s nightstand.
The charges against Pagan include making electronic threats related to a mass shooting or terrorist act, transmitting child pornography electronically, and multiple counts regarding the solicitation or possession of child pornography, among others.
Whether Pagan will be tried as an adult remains uncertain, but Sheriff Chronister underscored that the age of those involved does not lessen the gravity of the offenses.
Following the suspect’s juvenile detention period, the sheriff’s office expressed concern over the potential for this 14-year-old to reintegrate safely within the community.
In response to the situation, two local churches have reportedly increased their law enforcement presence, according to the sheriff.
Pagan, who holds that he was merely “trying to be pointed,” may face further charges as the investigation continues.
