KOKOMO, Ind. (WKRC) – A man is accused of paying an Indiana boy in “Robux” for sexually explicit videos.
According to CBS affiliate WXIN, Dominque Jose Castrejon/Rodriguez of Moreno Valley, California, was charged after he allegedly coerced a 10-year-old boy into making sexually explicit videos by paying him in Roblox’s in-game currency.
Per the report, an investigation was launched after authorities in Kokomo, Indiana, were contacted by a woman who said her grandson had been sending inappropriate videos and images in exchange for Robux, the virtual currency used to purchase items within Roblox.
Investigators performed an examination of the child’s phone and reportedly discovered that he had taken pictures and made videos on various platforms displaying sexual behavior that authorities said “appeared to be advanced for his age.”
While speaking to investigators during a forensic interview conducted on February 6, the boy said he had accounts on the following platforms:
Per the report, the boy lied about his age to gain access to those platforms, which usually require users to be at least 13 years old. The boy told authorities that he had posted Roblox and Fortnite gameplay videos to his YouTube channel and said he made “dancing videos” on TikTok.
While being questioned about internet safety, the boy reportedly told investigators that there are “predators” on many platforms. He admitted that he created “inappropriate videos” on Snapchat and that he had received requests from strangers to send explicit content.
According to WXIN, the child said he had created more than two dozen videos after being paid in “Robux.” He estimated that he had been paid between 5,000 and 10,000 Robux by various users. The child further stated that a majority of these users had asked him to make content with his clothing removed and would specify what they wanted him to do; he added that he eventually blocked some of those users, per the report.
Documents reviewed by the outlet reportedly show that some users threatened to make his “nudes” public if he refused to send videos, but the boy told investigators he did not believe they would follow through on those threats. Investigators said a forensic examination of the child’s iPhone turned up videos and images “showing his exposed genitals and buttocks,” adding that the boy had posted some of the content online.
A saved Snapchat interaction with a user named “Dom CRJ”—whom investigators believe to be Castrejon/Rodriguez—shows the user agreeing to send Robux in exchange for explicit content. The conversation reportedly showed the user claiming to have already sent 2,000 Robux.
The Snapchat exchange reviewed by law enforcement reportedly showed that the user had provided the child with numerous codes for Robux.
Authorities requested records from Roblox, Google, Snapchat, and service providers to further investigate the case. These documents allowed investigators to trace accounts and an email address to the suspect. An AI location tool and facial recognition technology were also utilized to analyze photos found on the suspect’s Snapchat account.
Castrejon/Rodriguez was accused of “intentionally” soliciting the child to “engage in fondling or touching to arouse or satisfy” sexual desire. According to the report, he is charged with:
- Child Solicitation (Felony)
The outlet reported that a warrant for Castrejon/Rodriguez’s arrest has been issued.
