10-Year-Old Girl Abducted by Man She Met on Roblox: Shocking Details from Police | CNN

A man from California was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a 10-year-old girl he met through social media platforms, Roblox and Discord. This was confirmed by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew Macatuno Naval, 27, was taken into custody due to charges of kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The police became involved after the girl’s family reported her missing. Kern County deputies started their search on Sunday and quickly discovered that the girl was communicating with Naval over social media. They believed she could be in Elk Grove, over 250 miles away.

With the help of deputies in Elk Grove, the child was found safe later that same afternoon. Naval was arrested and taken to Sacramento County jail before being moved to Kern County. His bail is set at $250,000, and he is expected to appear in court soon.

This troubling case highlights the importance of internet safety, especially for young kids. The sheriff’s office issued a warning about the dangers that can arise from kids communicating through apps and games, not just traditional social media outlets.

Parents should be aware of who their children interact with online. The sheriff’s office emphasized the need for monitoring electronic usage. Many popular apps have messaging features that can pose risks similar to those found on social media.

Both Roblox and Discord, the platforms involved, affirmed their zero-tolerance policies regarding child exploitation. A Roblox spokesperson reassured that they continually monitor the platform for any predatory behavior. Similarly, Discord takes swift action against users who violate their policies and cooperates with law enforcement when needed.

Recent data indicates a rise in concerns about online safety. A 2023 survey by CyberSafe Kids reported that over 50% of parents feel their children are more at risk online than in the past. This reflects a growing awareness of the potential dangers that come with digital interactions.

Roblox recently faced scrutiny for potentially exposing children to harmful content. In response, co-founder and CEO Dave Baszucki emphasized their commitment to safety, stating that even one incident is too many. The company employs various safety measures to prevent bullying and harassment, and they are vigilant in monitoring interactions on the platform.

Parents, educators, and communities must come together to understand these risks and foster a culture of safety for children online. Regular conversations about internet safety can help kids make informed choices while navigating the digital world.



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