A Rhode Island man is behind bars and facing nearly a century in prison after a cross-country investigation revealed a predatory scheme hidden behind popular gaming platforms.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of 29-year-old Justin Adkins on Monday, following a collaborative effort between Florida and Rhode Island law enforcement to dismantle a case of extreme digital exploitation.
“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,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “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.”
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The investigation, which began in January 2025, paints a chilling picture of how modern predators leverage household names like Fortnite and Roblox to bypass parental supervision. According to investigators, Adkins first made contact with the minor victim in 2024 through Fortnite’s battle royale platform.
The interaction quickly migrated from game-based chat to private messaging on Snapchat. By mimicking a romantic relationship, Adkins allegedly groomed the child, eventually coercing the production of hundreds of illicit photos and videos.
State officials highlighted the calculated nature of the abuse, noting that Adkins used financial incentives to keep the victim engaged. Beyond sending virtual currencies like V-bucks and Robux, the suspect reportedly purchased a new iPhone for the child specifically to ensure the production of higher-quality material. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass noted that the agency would remain relentless in pursuing those who target Florida’s youth, regardless of state lines.
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The arrest took place on February 3, 2026, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, where Adkins was taken into custody without bond. He is currently awaiting extradition to Florida to face a litany of felony charges, including the use of a child in a sexual performance and unlawful possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts in Florida, Adkins faces a maximum sentence of 85 years in state prison.
This case adds to a growing national conversation regarding the safety of children on social and gaming apps. Attorney General Uthmeier issued a stern warning to parents, noting that platforms like Roblox are already under intense scrutiny for their role in allowing predators access to minors.
For the victim’s family, the path to justice began when the minor reported the crimes to the Green Cove Springs Police Department, sparking a year-long chase that ended with Adkins in handcuffs. In addition to the Florida charges, Adkins is also facing two counts of child molestation in Rhode Island’s Kent County Superior Court.
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