Man accused of kidnapping 10-year-old he met on Roblox, Discord

KERN COUNTY, Calif. (Gray News) – A 27-year-old man is facing charges after being accused of kidnapping a 10-year-old he met online through Roblox and Discord.

Family reported the child had last been seen at home on April 12, before deputies with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office located the 10-year-old the next morning.

The investigation revealed the child had been communicating with Matthew Macatuno Naval through social media, leading to the abduction.

According to the sheriff’s office, the missing child was found in Naval’s car parked in a strip mall near his home.

Naval was arrested and charged for kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

The sheriff’s office reminds parents to “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.”

The juvenile was located and temporarily taken into protective custody until released back to their family.