August 21, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

FBI Seeks Victims of Alleged Online Exploitation Scheme Allegedly Run by Resident of Santa Monica

Individuals Urged to Come Forward in Investigation of John Douglas Burch

The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is urging individuals to come forward if they believe they may have been victimized by John Douglas Burch, a 54-year-old resident of Santa Monica, in a recent FBI bulletin. Burch faces federal charges related to allegations of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and enticing others, with the investigation revealing a pattern of online exploitation that spans multiple states.

According to federal authorities, Burch’s alleged scheme, which originated in Los Angeles, California, is thought to have affected minors in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and possibly other locations since at least 2014.

The FBI’s probe suggests that Burch utilized social media platforms, often assuming the identity of a fitness professional, to target primarily underage females, though some adults may have also been targeted. Allegedly, he pressured these individuals to participate in what he referred to as his “training program.” This program reportedly involved various tasks, including listening to explicit audio recordings, watching violent pornography, and creating and transmitting pornographic content online.

Once individuals complied with Burch’s demands, the FBI alleges that he would arrange to meet them in person and coerce them into engaging in illegal and non-consensual acts with himself and other men.

Authorities believe that Burch may have used social media to contact women and minor girls both domestically and internationally. Additionally, they suspect that he may have coerced women into recruiting others via social media. Some interactions with Burch may have occurred in person or through various social media accounts associated with him.

These are some of the social media handles for the accounts Burch used to allegedly lure victims:

Snapchat: Just 9×6.5a (Display Name), Mr. Bigc0ck (Account Name)
Discord: @TheBurch9567
Telegram: Burch
Instagram: “@food_is_not_enemy”; “@notyourfitguru2”; “@not_your_fit_guru_original”; “@backup_notryourfitguru

Facebook: Notyourfitguru

The FBI encourages anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Burch’s alleged activities or has relevant information on this FBI website page. According to ABC 7 News, the FBI has an email address for anyone with information. You can email them directly at BurchVictims@fbi.gov.

in News
<>Related Posts

Turn Dough Opens Artisan Ice Cream Shop in Downtown Santa Monica

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

The Santa Monica location offers 18 signature chimney cake creations, such as the “Unicorn,” adorned with Nutella, unicorn sprinkles, and...

Power Outages Hit West Channel Road, But MUSE Santa Monica Stays Open With Generators and Grit

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

The 25-Year-Old Chef-Owner Kept the Celebrity Hotspot Running Through Blackouts While a string of unexpected power outages shuttered much of...

Two LA Culinary Icons and Friends Reunite for One-Night-Only Dinner at Marelle

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Chefs Team Up With Five-Course Tasting Celebrating California Flavors  Two of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs will share the kitchen...

What to Expect at the 2025 Malibu Food & Wine Festival

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Set on a 1,000-acre historic estate in Malibu’s wine country, the festival offers a backdrop of rolling vineyards, ancient oaks,...

Gold’s Gym to Mark 60th Anniversary with Venice Community Event

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Founded in 1965 by Joe Gold, the gym has grown from a single Venice site to a global brand spanning...

30-Unit Mixed-Use Project Approved for Dining and Retail at Abbot Kinney Corridor

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

The 36,716-square-foot project includes 3,416 square feet of ground-floor retail and an 818-square-foot restaurant with 31 seats, permitted to sell...

Film Review: Honey Don’t

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Honey Don’t! is a neo-noir with a droll comedic sensibility set in the blazing sun of Bakersfield, California. Margaret Qualley...

What to Expect at the Third Annual Endless Summer C.A.M.P. Festival This Weekend

August 19, 2025

August 19, 2025

Attendees can participate in a bubble party, watch a comedic opera retelling of “Cinderella”, and more The City of Santa...

Heat Wave to Hit L.A. as Fire Risk, Possible Thunderstorms, and High Temps Loom

August 19, 2025

August 19, 2025

Governor Newsom Pre-Deploys Crews Ahead of Dangerous Heat and Fire Weather  Dangerous heat is expected to grip Southern California starting...

‘Ketamine Queen’ Pleads Guilty and Admits Role in Matthew Perry’s Death

August 19, 2025

August 19, 2025

Prosecutors Say She Supplied Ketamine Through Perry’s Assistant Facing five federal counts tied to Matthew Perry’s 2023 overdose, North Hollywood...

State Bill Aims to Protect Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park Residents

August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

PPCC President Sue Kohl emphasized the bill’s importance in safeguarding affordable housing and preventing displacement in Palisades The Pacific Palisades...

Pedestrian Killed in Downtown Santa Monica Car Crash

August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

Police Say Driver Stayed at Scene; Investigation Ongoing The Santa Monica Police Department says a man died Friday, August 15,...

HelloFresh to Pay $7.5M in Subscription Renewal Case Filed by CART Prosecutors

August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

Meal-Kit Giant Settles Lawsuit Over Automatic Plan Payments Without Proper Consent HelloFresh has agreed to pay roughly $7.5 million to...

HelloFresh to Pay $7.5M in Settlement Involving Santa Monica Attorney’s Office

August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

The lawsuit, filed by the California Automatic Renewal Task Force, claimed HelloFresh failed to clearly disclose subscription terms, obtain proper...

Marquez Knolls Home Unaffected by Fires Lists for $10M

August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

The outdoor spaces include an al fresco dining area with a fireplace, a pool and spa, and a covered lounge...