Last fall, Darius Matylewich, a 27-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was charged with kidnapping an 11-year-old girl police said he met through the popular gaming platform Roblox. 

The girl's parents had reported her missing on September 10th, and she was found with Matylewich 135 miles from her home in Wayne, New Jersey, shortly thereafter.  

If you or someone you know has been accused of possessing or creating child pornography and/or kidnapping a child, it is imperative that the accused person hires an experienced lawyer right away. These are very serious charges that require the experience of a criminal defense attorney. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 today or contact us online. 

Befriended on Roblox 

According to New Jersey police, Matylewich met and befriended the victim while playing Roblox and then messaged with her on other platforms, including Discord and Snapchat. 

Roblox, with more than 54 million users each day, is one of the most popular online gaming platforms for children and tweens. Nearly half of Roblox's users are under the age of 13.  

Communicated Online 

Police said a forensic analysis of Matylewich's phone and social media revealed message threads in which he coerced the victim to perform sexual acts, produce child pornography for him, and send him the images on Snapchat. He is also accused of storing hundreds of videos and images of the victim within the hidden folder of his Apple Photos application, which is only accessed via Apple's facial recognition.  

Police said they also found messages where Matylewich described covertly watching and following the victim near a New Jersey home. On September 10th, Matylewich is said to have transported the victim from her home in Wayne, New Jersey, to Bear, Delaware, without her parents' knowledge or permission. Police did not say how the girl was taken. 

Arrested and Charged 

Matylewich was extradited to New Jersey and charged with Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years' incarceration up to a maximum period of life imprisonment. 

The Legal Process 

Being accused of child pornography in New Jersey, as in any jurisdiction, is a serious legal matter with severe consequences. Here's what might happen if you're accused:  

• Investigation: Law enforcement agencies will likely conduct an investigation, which may involve seizing electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones, to search for evidence. 
• Charges: If evidence is found, you could be arrested and charged with various offenses, which may include possession, distribution, production, or solicitation of child pornography.  
• Legal Process: After being charged, you'll go through the process of arraignment, pre-trial motions, and possibly a trial if you plead not guilty.  
• Potential Punishment: You could face very significant punishment, including imprisonment, fines, probation, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a permanent criminal record.  

Help Is Available 

It is absolutely crucial that you take any accusations of child pornography and/or kidnapping seriously and seek legal representation immediately. Call the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today or contact us online so we can help you protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.