A predatory 27-year-old man allegedly kidnapped a 10-year-old California girl after grooming her on Roblox and Discord, proving yet again that Big Tech would rather profit from your children than protect them.
At a Glance
- A 10-year-old Central California girl was allegedly abducted by Matthew Macatuno Naval, 27, whom she met through popular gaming platforms Roblox and Discord
- The child was reported missing on April 13 and found later that day with Naval in his car at an Elk Grove strip mall
- Naval has been arrested on kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct charges and is being held without bail
- According to experts, nearly 60% of children in online enticement cases are 15 or younger
- The case highlights the critical need for parental supervision of children’s online activities and communications
Another Predator Exploits Big Tech’s Playground
While our government obsesses over regulating every aspect of American life, they can’t seem to be bothered when it comes to protecting children from online predators using platforms marketed specifically to kids. A 10-year-old Central California girl was reported missing on April 12, only to be found the next day with a 27-year-old man she met through Roblox and Discord – games and messaging services that millions of American children use daily without proper safeguards.
The girl was last seen on April 12 and reported missing the following morning, triggering an investigation that thankfully moved quickly. Information provided by the child’s friends led Kern County sheriff’s deputies to believe she had been kidnapped – and they were right. This poor child had been communicating with Matthew Macatuno Naval through platforms that should have protected her but instead facilitated her abduction.
Swift Action Saves a Young Life
In a rare display of competent government action, investigators tracked the girl and Naval to Elk Grove, California, where local police found them in his car at a strip mall on April 13. The girl was immediately taken into protective custody and returned to her understandably distraught family. Meanwhile, Naval was arrested and charged with kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor – charges that should carry the harshest possible penalties.
“We would like to thank the communities of Kern and Elk Grove for their assistance in sharing the message to help locate the juvenile”
Naval is being held without bail and awaits extradition to Kern County. It’s unclear if he has an attorney or has entered a plea, but frankly, who cares? The evidence is damning, and the idea that there could be any defense for a grown man luring a 10-year-old through online platforms and taking her from her home is beyond comprehension. Our justice system better not fail this family.
The Digital Hunting Grounds
While parents are busy working multiple jobs to afford Biden’s inflation, predators are stalking their children online. A 2024 study by the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children found that 59% of children in online enticement cases were 15 or younger. The study identified Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, and TikTok as the most common apps used to entice children – yet these platforms continue to operate with minimal accountability.
“Parents, monitor all electronic usage and know who your children are communicating with. Many apps and games have messaging capabilities and present the same, if not more, risk as social media platforms.”
While the sheriff’s office advice is sound, it puts the entire burden on parents while giving tech companies a complete pass. Why aren’t platforms that cater to children required to have impenetrable safeguards against adult-child interactions? Instead of regulating gas stoves and light bulbs, perhaps our government could focus on protecting children from digital predators who use these platforms as hunting grounds.
Take Action Now
This story is a wake-up call for every parent and grandparent in America. The digital world our children inhabit is filled with predators, and the companies that profit from their participation aren’t doing enough to protect them. Monitor your children’s online activities, know who they’re talking to, and understand that games like Roblox and messaging apps like Discord can be gateways to danger despite their innocent appearances.
For families dealing with the aftermath of online abuse, resources are available. The Crisis Text Line offers support – text “STRENGTH” to 741-741. But prevention is key, and that means both parental vigilance and demanding that tech companies and legislators take real action to protect our children. Until then, predators will continue exploiting these digital playgrounds, and more children will be at risk.
