West Warwick man accused of sexually exploiting minors on gaming, social media platforms

(WJAR) — Florida authorities said a West Warwick man was arrested and extricated 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.

Florida authorities said a West Warwick man was arrested and extricated after he allegedly used online games and social media to sexually exploit minors. (Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier)

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.

Officials also allege that Adkins sent adult pornographic materials to the victim with instructions to recreate them.

The Florida Attorney General’s Office said Adkins used gifts such as a new iPhone or game currency on Fortnite and Roblox to manipulate the victim.

Adkins was arrested last Tuesday in West Warwick and will be extricated to Florida, Uthmeier said.

He is facing various charges including using a child in a sexual performance and 13 counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child, the attorney general's office said.