Virginia Man Admits to Orchestrating Swatting Attacks, Including Maryland and Hagerstown Involvement

A Virginia resident has admitted to federal charges for his role in a nationwide swatting scheme that targeted schools, airports, and communities—including actions coordinated with a co-conspirator in Hagerstown, Maryland. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Evan Strauss, 27, of Moneta, entered a guilty plea on July 21 to charges including conspiracy, cyberstalking, and threatening to use fire or explosives.

The investigation revealed that Strauss helped lead an online group called “Purgatory,” which used social media platforms to organize and celebrate coordinated swatting and doxxing attacks. Swatting involves making false emergency calls to prompt a law enforcement response, while doxxing refers to the malicious release of personal information online. Between December 2023 and January 2024, Strauss and others—including a Hagerstown-based participant—used spoofed internet calls to report violent incidents to emergency services in multiple states.

In one incident, Strauss falsely reported gunfire at a school in Newark, Delaware, followed by a second call from the Maryland-based accomplice threatening a specific teacher. The school went into lockdown as a result. Strauss also encouraged another group member to target Albany International Airport with threats of a mass shooting and bombings, prompting a heavy police response. Another threat targeted a trailer park in Alabama, where Strauss’ associate claimed he would set fire to property and shoot law enforcement.

Strauss now faces up to 10 years in prison for threats involving fire or explosives and up to five years for conspiracy and cyberstalking. His sentencing is scheduled for November 6. His co-conspirators, including 19-year-old Owen Jarboe of Hagerstown and Brayden Grace of Columbus, Ohio, previously pled guilty and are also awaiting sentencing. The case was investigated with the help of numerous law enforcement agencies across the country and led by the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office.

Residents in Hagerstown and surrounding communities should be aware that this case demonstrates how digital threats can quickly escalate into real-world emergency responses, tying up local resources and jeopardizing public safety. Authorities urge residents to report any suspicious online behavior that may involve similar schemes.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

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