By: Richard L. Smith
Federal authorities have arrested a 21-year-old Egg Harbor Township man accused of cyberstalking a minor and expressing support for a violent extremist ideology, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced Thursday.
Marek Cherkaoui was taken into custody and made his initial appearance in federal court, where a judge ordered him detained pending further proceedings.
According to court documents, Cherkaoui has a long history of posting violent and threatening comments online.
Prosecutors said that between December 2024 and May 2025, he used the internet to harass and threaten a minor girl, at times urging her to harm herself.
On two occasions, the child reportedly cut her arms after receiving threats from Cherkaoui.
Investigators also linked Cherkaoui to an online Nihilistic Violent Extremist network known as “764.” Authorities say he has previously expressed admiration for mass shooters, encouraged violence, and solicited child sexual abuse material from minors.
During a June 2025 search of his residence, law enforcement seized books on making explosives, along with tactical gear, body armor, ski masks, and zip ties.
In a renewed search executed Thursday, FBI agents reportedly uncovered writings in which Cherkaoui outlined murder plans and terroristic acts, including a detailed plot involving joining ISIS abroad and then returning to the United States to carry out attacks.
Cherkaoui is charged with cyberstalking a minor, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
Any final sentence would be determined by a federal district judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and related statutory factors.