A 23-year-old man from Farmington Hills has pleaded guilty in federal court to making and possessing child sexual abuse material and joining a violent extremist group. Sentencing is set for January 2027 as the investigation continues.
Justin Miller, 23, from Farmington Hills, has pleaded guilty in a federal case that has drawn national attention for its disturbing details and online reach. In Detroit federal court, Miller admitted he made and kept child sexual abuse material. He also took part in a group that investigators call a network of nihilistic violent extremists. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan is handling the case. That office covers Oakland County and Farmington Hills.
The FBI linked Miller to the 764 network, a group under investigation for violent and exploitative activity online. Federal officials say Miller used several aliases on social media. He shared illegal material and built ties with other members of the network. Investigators found Miller set up rules for self-harm chat channels and told minor girls to take part in sexualized acts. The Farmington Hills Police Department and local emergency services were brought in as part of the response. City officials say this fits with Farmington Hills' ongoing work to fight digital crime and keep the public safe.
Federal investigation and digital evidence
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline gave authorities the tip that led them to Miller. The FBI started its investigation last year. Agents found evidence that Miller was involved in animal torture, child exploitation videos, and online threats. After his arrest, Miller confessed. This confession made the case against him even stronger. Farmington Hills has worked with federal agencies before to fight digital exploitation. Residents can check the Farmington Hills Public Safety portal for updates on local safety efforts.
This case is not the only one of its kind in Oakland County. In a separate but related case, another Farmington Hills resident, Lincoln Erickson, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to receiving child pornography. The U.S. Department of Justice says Erickson's case involved videos of minors in sexual acts and AI-generated images of children with adults. The FBI Detroit Field Office arrested Erickson in December 2025. He will have to register as a sex offender after his release. These cases show how federal and local authorities are working together to fight child exploitation in the region through coordinated legal action.
Community impact and ongoing concerns
The investigation into Miller and the 764 network is still active. Officials say there is no immediate threat to the wider public. The case shows why digital reporting tools matter and how federal and local agencies, including the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office and Farmington Public Schools, work to protect minors and respond to online threats. Residents are urged to stay up to date on local safety steps and to take part in public hearings or school board meetings. These are posted on the City of Farmington and Farmington Hills municipal websites.
Cases like this show how digital crime can reach into local communities. They also show why national and local agencies need to work together. The Farmington Hills case is a clear sign that online exploitation is not just a distant problem. Federal authorities are ready to follow the evidence wherever it leads. Justin Miller's sentencing is set for January 6, 2027. More updates are expected as the case moves through the federal courts.
