Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Arrest, Extradition of Snapchat, Roblox Child Predator

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla.-Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Justin Adkins, 29, of Rhode Island, on charges relating to engaging in 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," 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."

"As Chief of Police for the City of Green Cove Springs, I want our residents to know that this agency will continue to investigate crimes thoroughly, hold offenders accountable, and ensure that victims and their families receive justice and support," said Green Cove Springs Police Chief Shawn Hines. "We sincerely thank the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the West Warwick, Rhode Island Police Department for their cooperation and dedication during this investigation."

"Protecting Florida's children is our highest mission. Florida families can count on us to pursue anyone who seeks to exploit a child, no matter where they live," said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. "I commend the outstanding men and women of FDLE and the Green Cove Springs Police Department for their relentless work to take this dangerous predator off our streets. If you exploit or harm a child in Florida, FDLE will find you, and Attorney General Uthmeier's Office will hold you accountable."

This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Green Cove Springs Police Department (GCSPD). The investigation began in January 2025 after the minor victim reported the crimes to GCSPD.

Investigators found that Adkins first interacted with the victim in 2024 on Fortnite, an online battle royale game popular among children. The two chatted on the gaming platform, exchanged phone numbers, and began communicating on Snapchat, a popular mobile messaging app primarily used for sharing photos and videos ("snaps") that disappear after being viewed.

Adkins convinced the victim that they were in a romantic relationship, despite knowing the victim's age. He coerced the victim into creating and sending hundreds of pornographic pictures and videos. Additionally, Adkins was sending adult pornographic material to the victim with instructions to recreate it. He manipulated the victim by purchasing gifts, including a new iPhone, with which he wanted the victim to produce higher-quality child sexual abuse material. He also sent V-bucks, the currency in Fortnite, and Robux, the currency in Roblox. Roblox is currently under criminal investigation and civil litigation for aiding predators in accessing and harming children.

Adkins is facing felony charges of second-degree Using a Child in a Sexual Performance (1 count), third-degree Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor by Electronic Device (1 count), and third-degree Unlawful Possession of Materials Depicting Sexual Performance by a Child (13 counts).

An arrest warrant obtained by FDLE and GCSPD was carried out by local law enforcement in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Adkins is being held without bond and will be extradited to Florida. If convicted on all counts, Adkins faces up to 85 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Adkins is also facing criminal proceedings in Kent County Superior Court in Rhode Island for two counts of second-degree child molestation.

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