GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of a 29-year-old Rhode Island man accused of sexually exploiting a minor and coercing the production of child sexual abuse material through online platforms including Snapchat and Roblox.
Authorities identified the suspect as Justin Adkins, who was taken into custody in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on Feb. 3, 2026, following a multi-agency investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Green Cove Springs Police Department, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. He is being held without bond and is expected to be extradited to Florida to face charges.
According to investigators, the case began in January 2025 after the minor victim reported the alleged abuse to Green Cove Springs police. Law enforcement determined Adkins initially contacted the victim in 2024 through the online video game Fortnite before moving communications to Snapchat after exchanging phone numbers.
Officials allege Adkins convinced the victim they were in a romantic relationship despite knowing the victim’s age and coerced the child into producing and sending hundreds of explicit photos and videos. Investigators also say he sent adult pornographic material with instructions for the victim to recreate the content and provided gifts—including a new iPhone—to facilitate the production of higher-quality images. Authorities further allege he transferred in-game currencies such as Fortnite’s V-Bucks and Roblox’s Robux to the victim.
Adkins faces multiple felony charges in Florida, including one count of using a child in a sexual performance, one count of transmitting harmful material to a minor by electronic device, and 13 counts of unlawful possession of material depicting a child in a sexual performance. If convicted on all counts, prosecutors say he could face up to 85 years in prison.
In addition to the Florida case, Adkins is also facing separate criminal proceedings in Kent County Superior Court in Rhode Island on two counts of second-degree child molestation.
State and local officials credited coordinated law enforcement efforts for the arrest and emphasized their commitment to protecting children from online predators.
