California Man Charged In 'Brian Kil' Plainfield, Danville Cyber Threat Case

PLAINFIELD, IN — The U.S. Attorney's Office of Southern Indiana reports a California man has been federally charged in connection with several online threats against area schools and a mall in 2015. According to a press release, United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced Monday the charges against 26-year-old Buster Hernandez of Bakersfield, including threats to use an explosive devices at local Danville and Plainfield High Schools, threats to injure and sexual exploitation of a child. Minkler was joined by FBI officials, Indiana State Police and officials from the Brownsburg and Plainfield Police Department, who also took part in the investigation.

Officials said Hernandez made the weeks-long threats under the name "Brian Kil," resulting in school and shopping center closures.

According to a press release, the Brownsburg Police Department contacted the FBI in December 2015, asking for assistance with a cyber-threat case involving a female minor and Plainfield resident, known as "Victim 1." The threats came from a person known only at the time as “Brian Kil” who used Facebook to communicate with Victim 1 for 16 months to extort sexually explicit pictures from her. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Indianapolis Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts and LIKE Indianapolis Patch on Facebook.)

“Terrorizing young victims through the use of social media and hiding behind the anonymity of the Internet will not be tolerated by this office,” Minkler said. “Those who think they can outwit law enforcement and are above being caught should think again. Mr. Hernandez’s reign of terror is over.”

Officials said Hernandez allegedly threatened Victim 1 when she refused to send additional pictures, resulting in the closures of Plainfield and Danville high schools. Hernandez stated, “I am coming for you. I will slaughter your entire class and save you for last.” He further made threats to law enforcement saying, “I will add a dozen dead police to my tally … Try me pigs, I will finish you off as well.” The Shops at Perry Crossing in Plainfield was also closed Dec. 19, 2015, reopening the following day.

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Officials said Hernandez also sexually exploited and threatened two other local minors, "Victim 2" and "Victim 3."

According to the release, Hernandez is also alleged to have “sextorted” an additional number of victims in at least 10 federal districts across the U.S.

The 26-year-old male faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment if convicted on all counts.

Hernandez had his initial appearance in the Eastern District of California on Friday, and officials said he'll be transported to federal court in Indianapolis where he will face charges from the criminal complaint.

If you believe you have been a victim of sextortion by Buster Hernandez, contact the Indianapolis FBI Office at tips.fbi.gov or call 317-595-4000, Option 2.

For more information: justice.gov, Southern District of Indiana Twitter page @SDINnews