Authorities say a 10-year-old Southern California man was found safe on Sunday, the day after she was kidnapped by a stranger on Roblox and messaging platforms.
The Kern County girl has Matthew Macatuno Naval, 27, in Elk Grove, hundreds of miles from her home, the county sheriff's office said in a press release. The Navy from Elk Grove was arrested on Sunday and faces allegations of kidnapping and illegal sexual conduct.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said in a Wednesday press release that deputies received messages from the girl’s friend after her family reported missing, leading them to believe she had been kidnapped. Their communication with the Navy found on Roblox, a popular online gaming platform in Preteens, that investigators pointed investigators to northern California cities where they recovered their children.
Elk Grove police assisted Kern County officials and were able to find the Navy in a car with the missing children at a strip mall near his house. Kern County investigators were arrested less than six hours after they were initially dispatched. The girl is temporarily in protective custody until she is reunited with her family.
The Navy was booked at the main Sacramento County jail without bail and is awaiting extradition to Kern County.
In a press release, the Sheriff’s Office stressed the importance of Internet security.
“Parents, monitor all electronic usage and know who your child is communicating with. Many apps and games have messaging capabilities and the same risks (if not more) as social media platforms,” ​​the statement said.
Anyone with information about the case can contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110.
