Man Charged for Using Social Media to Exploit Minors

Authorities say West Warwick resident Justin Adkins coerced child abuse material through online games and apps

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Florida authorities have arrested and extradited 29-year-old Justin Adkins from West Warwick, Rhode Island, on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. Adkins allegedly used online games like Fortnite and social media platforms including Snapchat and Roblox to groom and coerce a victim into producing and sending hundreds of pornographic images and videos.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of online child predators who leverage popular social media and gaming platforms to target and exploit minors. It underscores the need for increased parental awareness and platform accountability to protect vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.

The details

According to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Adkins first interacted with a victim through the online game Fortnite in 2024, exchanging phone numbers and continuing communication on Snapchat. Adkins allegedly convinced the victim they were in a romantic relationship and coerced them into creating and sending hundreds of explicit photos and videos. Adkins also reportedly sent adult pornographic materials to the victim with instructions to recreate them, and used gifts like a new iPhone or in-game currency to manipulate the victim.

  • Adkins first interacted with the victim on Fortnite in 2024.
  • Adkins was arrested last Tuesday in West Warwick, Rhode Island.

The players

Justin Adkins

A 29-year-old resident of West Warwick, Rhode Island, who has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and coercing the production of child sexual abuse material.

James Uthmeier

The Florida Attorney General who announced Adkins' arrest and charges.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General (bakersfieldnow.com)

“It sounds like some Jeffrey Epstein, like Chris Hansen stuff. Really upsetting.”

— Andromeda, Warwick Resident (bakersfieldnow.com)

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

— Andromeda, Warwick Resident (bakersfieldnow.com)

What’s next

Adkins will be extradited from Rhode Island to Florida to face charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for parents, gaming platforms, and law enforcement to work together to protect children from online predators who exploit popular social media and gaming apps to target and sexually abuse minors.