A 27-year-old California man has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a 10-year-old girl he reportedly befriended through the online gaming and chat platforms Roblox and Discord, according to a statement released by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, identified as Matthew Macatuno Naval, faces multiple charges, including kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Authorities say the case underscores growing concerns over how online platforms are being misused to exploit children.
Naval is currently being held at the Kern County Jail, with bail set at $250,000. He is scheduled to appear in court later today.
Missing child traced to location over 250 miles away
The investigation began on Sunday after the child’s family reported her missing from Taft, a small town in Kern County. During the probe, deputies discovered that the girl had been communicating with Naval through Roblox and Discord.
The digital trail led authorities to Elk Grove, a city more than 250 miles north of the girl’s hometown. Acting on this intelligence, Kern County deputies coordinated with Elk Grove police to locate the missing child.
Girl found, suspect arrested in Elk Grove
Law enforcement officers located the 10-year-old in Elk Grove on Sunday afternoon. Naval was immediately taken into custody and initially booked in Sacramento County before being transferred to Kern County.
He is now awaiting a court hearing where he will face formal charges. In its public statement, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the case as a critical reminder of the dangers children face online and the importance of vigilant monitoring by parents and guardians.
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Roblox and Discord respond with zero-tolerance stance
In the wake of the arrest, both Roblox and Discord reaffirmed their commitment to child safety, emphasizing their policies against child endangerment and exploitation.
“These allegations are deeply troubling, and we are actively investigating,” a Roblox spokesperson stated. “We have several safety features in place specifically designed to prevent predatory behavior.”
A spokesperson for Discord also reiterated the platform’s strict policies, noting that the company “removes content, bans users, and engages with law enforcement” whenever its community guidelines are violated.
As the case unfolds, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of how digital interactions can blur into dangerous real-world consequences, especially for the youngest users.