Introduction to the Case
A Florida teenager is facing charges as an adult after he allegedly convinced children to send him sexual abuse material over a popular online gaming site called Roblox, and authorities say there could be more victims.
The Investigation
It started with a tip that the sheriff’s office received on Feb. 28 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). It said that a user in Marion County was directing children to molest their younger siblings and produce child sexual abuse material on Roblox, NBC affiliate WESH reported.
The Suspect and Charges
Christian Scribben, 17, is facing charges from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after he allegedly admitted to talking to four or five children a day, every day for the past year to get this content. The victims were as young as 8 years old, authorities said. He faces multiple charges, including directing a sexual performance by a child, utilizing a computer to solicit a child while misrepresenting age, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Details of the Crime
"He was doing something, a very heinous crime, it’s just a disgusting case, and we are very glad he’s in our jail," Zachary Moore, the Public Information Officer for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, said.
Christian Scribben, 17
Deputies said Scribben also admitted to lying about his age to appear more "acceptable" to young children. He would then allegedly move the conversations to Discord, an online messaging app, or text messages. "He says he has been doing this for a while now, and he told Detective Osthed that he was planning on stopping once he turned 18. However, that is not realistic, he was doing something that is a very heinous crime," said Moore.
Arrest and Charges
Scribben was originally arrested on April 16 and taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice. He has since been charged as an adult and is in the Marion County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
Response from Roblox
In a statement to our affiliate WESH, Roblox said: "Roblox is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our community, and helping protect children is a top priority. In February, we reported this case to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and permanently banned the account. Our policies prohibit such behavior and we do not allow user-to-user image sharing on our platform. We invest significant resources in advanced technology, including robust filters and human moderation teams, to detect and address inappropriate content and behavior. We continue to evolve our safety practices to promote a secure and positive experience for everyone on Roblox."
Conclusion
The case of Christian Scribben is a disturbing reminder of the dangers that exist online, particularly for children. It highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for parents, authorities, and online platforms to work together to prevent such heinous crimes. The swift action taken by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the response from Roblox, demonstrate a commitment to protecting children and ensuring that those who exploit them face justice.
FAQs
- Q: What is the nature of the charges against Christian Scribben?
A: Christian Scribben faces charges including directing a sexual performance by a child, utilizing a computer to solicit a child while misrepresenting age, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. - Q: How old are the victims in this case?
A: The victims are as young as 8 years old. - Q: What action has Roblox taken in response to this case?
A: Roblox reported the case to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), permanently banned the account, and emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of its community. - Q: Where is Christian Scribben being held?
A: He is being held without bond in the Marion County Jail.
