FBI takes Nintendo Switch’s aid to find missing child 2,000 miles away

See how a Nintendo Switch helped find a abducted 15 year old child

FBI takes Nintendo Switch’s aid to find missing child 2,000 miles away

Image via Reddit

In a real-life narrative that seems straight out of a gripping thriller, an extraordinary rescue mission unfolded that resulted in a 15-year-old girl returning home from 2000 miles away from her home in Virginia. The FBI used a Nintendo Switch to uncover her location and rescue her from her kidnapper.

This captivating story revolves around a surprising yet ingenious partnership, as authorities pushed the boundaries of technology by utilizing an unlikely tool—the widely recognized Nintendo Switch gaming console. On the one hand, people can do numerous crimes online but this time FBI has used the power of online gaming to solve the crime.

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FBI found a missing girl 2000 miles away with the help of a Nintendo Switch

FBI takes Nintendo Switch's aid to find missing child 2,000 miles away
Image via Reddit

In a distressing incident, Ethan Roberts abducted a 15-year-old girl from her Virginia home on August 22, 2022. As first reported by ABC15, they connected online, leading to Roberts traveling to meet her. Alarmingly, he pushed her into pornography later. Court records revealed Roberts allowed the girl to bring her Nintendo Switch. While using the device for browsing, watching videos, and downloading games, her vigilant friend detected online activity, raising awareness promptly.

Collaborating closely with Nintendo, the FBI successfully tracked down the IP address of the device, following the digital breadcrumbs it left. This led them to the exact location of Ethan Roberts’ apartment, enabling his swift arrest and the safe return of the girl to her home after enduring an incredibly traumatizing and distressing 11-day period.

In the aftermath of the incident, Roberts faced federal charges of child pornography and the transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. As a result, in April 2023, he opted to enter into a plea agreement, ultimately resulting in a significant 30-year prison sentence in a federal correctional facility.

The case of Ethan Roberts and the abducted minor serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online interactions. It emphasizes the crucial role of technology and vigilant individuals in detecting and addressing concerning situations. Let this serve as a call for increased awareness, proactive communication, and the collective responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals in our digital world.

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