Alabama families have filed at least three lawsuits against the online gaming platform, Roblox. Meanwhile, federal officials say criminal activity on the platform could be linked to large networks of predators.
A Covington County father is among dozens of U.S. parents seeking justice after he said his daughter was a victim. WDHN reported the father filed a lawsuit claiming the 13-year-old met an adult man on the platform who sent her explicit images of himself, then attempted to rape her during an in-person meeting.
In Dale County, two lawsuits have been filed against Roblox, claiming similar crimes were committed against children.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says some crimes committed using Roblox and Discord were part of "Greggy's Cult," and she announced indictments against five leaders.
"No child should ever be terrorized or exploited online, and no online platform should give refuge to predators," said Bondi. "The Department of Justice will continue to protect children, support survivors, and hold accountable anyone who preys on the vulnerable – online or offline – with every tool we have."
Hector Bermudez, 29, of Queens, New York; Zachary Dosch, 26, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rumaldo Valdez, 22, of Honolulu, Hawaii; David Brilhante, 28, of San Diego, California; and Camden Rodriguez, 22, of Longmont, Colorado, are accused of targeting vulnerable children and adults.
"These five defendants allegedly targeted vulnerable children and others via online platforms – they exploited, threatened, and harassed them, and encouraged horrific acts of self-harm," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "The FBI is sending a message to those individuals involved in criminal activity through violent online networks: you can't hide in the shadows hovering over a keyboard – we will find and hold accountable those who participate in these illegal and heinous acts."
"As alleged, the defendants weaponized their sexual exploitation of minors through the creation and distribution of child pornography, creating a nightmarish platform on the internet where children were used, sexually abused, and at times driven to the brink of suicide," said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. "The defendants' depraved conduct, as alleged, is monstrous and will be vigorously prosecuted. I strongly urge parents and caregivers to have conversations with their children about the dangers of communicating online with strangers and individuals who seek to cruelly exploit them."
The alleged crimes by the defendants occurred between January 2020 and January 2021. However, Bondi said another network, 764, followed and was also a part of Greggy's Cult.
Anyone who believes they were a victim is asked to call the FBI tip line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
In response to multiple lawsuits nationwide, Roblox has denied any wrongdoing but has strengthened safety protocols. The new safeguards include over 40 features to protect young users and empower parents, Roblox claims.
Roblox creators have not been convicted of any crime.
All defendants in criminal cases are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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