Authorities say man used Snapchat, Fortnite and Roblox to coerce child abuse material

(WJAR) — Florida authorities said a West Warwick man was arrested and extradited after he allegedly used online games and social media to sexually exploit minors.

According to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, 29-year-old Justin Adkins is facing charges relating to sexual exploitation of a minor and coercing the production of child sexual abuse material.

“Parents need to wake up to the disturbing reality that we are seeing online, because yet again, we caught a child predator using Snapchat and Roblox to groom and exploit a child,” Uthmeier said. “Thanks to the Green Cove Springs PD, FDLE, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, the child predator is in cuffs and will be extradited from Rhode Island to face justice in Florida.”

Officials said Adkins first interacted with a victim in 2024 on online game Fortnite.

He exchanged phone numbers with the victim through the gaming platform and continued communicating through Snapchat.

According to authorities, Adkins convinced the victim they were in a romantic relationship and coerced the victim into creating and sending hundreds of pornographic pictures and videos.

Residents across Rhode Island said the allegations are unsettling, especially given the platforms involved.

“It sounds like some Jeffrey Epstein, like Chris Hansen stuff,” said Andromeda of Warwick. “Really upsetting.”

Tessa Potter, a West Warwick resident, described the allegations in one word: “Disgusting.”

Gabriel Martinez of Providence said the case is a reminder for parents to remain vigilant.

“You gotta watch out,” Martinez said.

Andromeda said she believes gaming platforms should be doing more to protect children.

“I know Roblox has a big pedophilia problem and, like, the people who work at Roblox aren't doing anything it,” she said. “It's kind of pretty messed up.”

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