GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer announced the arrest of a 29-year-old Rhode Island man on suspicion of sexually exploiting minors and coercing them to produce child sexual abuse material through online platforms such as Snapchat and Roblox.
Authorities identified the suspect as Justin Adkins, who was taken into custody in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on February 3, 2026, following a multi-agency investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Green Cove Springs Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office. He is being held without bail and is expected to be extradited to Florida to face charges.
Investigators say the case began in January 2025 after a minor victim reported suspected abuse to Green Cove Springs police. Law enforcement determined that Adkins first contacted the victim through the online video game Fortnite in 2024, then exchanged phone numbers before moving their communications to Snapchat.
Authorities allege that even though Adkins knew the victim’s age, he convinced her to be romantically involved and coerced her into creating and sending hundreds of explicit photos and videos. Investigators also say he sent victims adult pornographic material with instructions for recreating the content and offered them gifts, such as new iPhones, to help them produce higher-quality images. Authorities also claim they transferred in-game currencies such as Fortnite’s V-Bucks and Roblox’s Robux to victims.
Adkins faces multiple felonies 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. Prosecutors say if convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to up to 85 years in prison.
In addition to the Florida case, Adkins also faces separate criminal proceedings in Kent County Superior Court in Rhode Island on two counts of second-degree child sexual abuse.
State and local officials recognized the coordinated efforts of law enforcement that led to the arrests and highlighted efforts to protect children from online criminals.
