Aaron Corey, 23, of Albany, New York, has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with attempted murder for hire, solicitation of a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice. Corey, also known as “Baggeth,” is accused of attempting to hire a hitman to kill two FBI Special Agents and an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) assigned to investigate and prosecute him in an unrelated federal child pornography case.
The complaint, unsealed today, alleges that Corey identifies as a member of the “764,” a criminal organization described as Nihilistic Violent Extremists operating domestically and internationally. This group reportedly targets vulnerable, underage populations through social media to promote extreme gore media and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Corey, who is currently detained on child pornography charges, allegedly sent letters to another inmate seeking help to hire someone to steal electronic devices seized by the FBI and to murder the federal officials.
Corey’s alleged instructions included kidnapping the victims, injecting them with fentanyl, and then disposing of their bodies using a woodchipper. When the initial AUSA left the case, Corey reportedly updated his request to include the new prosecutor. The inmate receiving Corey’s letters informed the FBI, leading to an undercover law enforcement officer being introduced to Corey as a potential hitman.
Believing the undercover officer was a genuine hitman, Corey allegedly offered $200 down and $5,000 total for the theft of his electronic devices, and $500 down and $30,000 total for the murders, reiterating his desire for the victims to be put through a woodchipper and requesting a video recording. His fiancée, living abroad, allegedly sent the requested down payments.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commended the FBI’s swift action, saying, “Their swift actions brought an immediate end to this disturbing situation involving an Assistant United States Attorney in my office and two FBI Special Agents. We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli added, "His alleged plot was a depraved effort to rid himself of the serious federal charge he was facing, but it only resulted in additional charges that, if convicted, will significantly extend his time in federal prison."
Corey was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart in Albany and remains in pretrial detention. The new charges carry a combined maximum sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.