The 10-year-old from Southern California was found safe on a safe Sunday the day after she was lured by a stranger who had communicated over Roblox and messaging platform discords, authorities said.
The Kern County girl was found in Elk Grove, hundreds of miles from her home, along with the 27-year-old Navy, Matthew McCatuno, the county sheriff’s office said in a news release. The Navy, from Elkgrove, was arrested Sunday and faced charges of inattention and illegal sexual conduct.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Wednesday that lawmakers received information from the girl’s friend after her family reported her missing. Communication with the Navy that they discovered on Roblox, a popular online gaming platform among Preteens, pointed to investigators in the city in Northern California where they had recovered their children.
Elk Grove police assisted Kern County officials and managed to find the Navy in his car at a strip mall near his home with a missing child. He was arrested less than six hours after Kern County investigators were first dispatched. The girl was taken to temporary custody until she was reunited with her family.
The Navy was booked to a major Sacramento County jail without bail, waiting for extradition to Kern County.
In a news release, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of internet safety.
“Parents, monitor all electronic use and know who their children are communicating with. Many apps and games have messaging capabilities, and they pose the same risks as social media platforms,” the statement read.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident can call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office (661) 861-3110.
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