Man from California reportedly abducted a 10-year-old that he encountered on Roblox

A 10-year-old child reported missing from Taft, California, was found after allegedly being kidnapped by a 27-year-old man who had been communicating through Roblox and Discord. Matthew Macatuno Naval was charged with kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The child was last seen at home Saturday night, and police were dispatched the following morning. Communications between the child and Naval led police to believe he was in Elk Grove, over 250 miles away. Naval was found at a strip mall with the child, and both were located with the help of Elk Grove police and the media response to missing flyers. The child was temporarily taken into protective custody and released to family. Naval was transferred to Kern County with a complaint expected to be filed. The incident has prompted legal action in other states, with Florida issuing a subpoena to Roblox and New Jersey filing a lawsuit against Discord. Both companies have since responded, pledging to cooperate with authorities and defend against the claims. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of internet safety, urging parents to monitor their children’s electronic usage and know who they are communicating with. They pointed out that many apps and games have messaging capabilities that can present risks similar to social media platforms.

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