TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - State officials are warning parents after a Florida man was arrested for allegedly luring a child porn victim through the popular online game Fortnite.
According to the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Anthony Gene Thomas, 41, of Broward County, allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a minor and solicited pornographic photos and videos of the victim.
Investigators say an unnamed co-conspirator made contact with the victim through Fortnite. After developing a relationship with the victim, the co-conspirator then used Fortnite to introduce the victim to Thomas.
While communicating through the online platform, authorities say the victim expressed hardships at home. In response, Thomas manipulated the victim with gifts, including credit cards and a cellphone to be in direct communication with each other.
Eventually, Thomas and the co-conspirator took the 17-year-old victim to Thomas’ Broward County residence. After arriving, Thomas allegedly engaged in sexual activity with the victim.
Not long after, the victim's parents declared reported the teen as missing. In late August, authorities say they recovered the victim and brought the victim back home. They say Thomas and the victim stayed in contact through that time.
In October, law enforcement served a search warrant and seized Thomas' phone, which contained pornographic images and videos of the victim.
“This case is disturbing not only because it involves child pornography, but also because a popular online game was used to communicate with the victim," said Attorney General Ashley Moody. "We have reason to believe there could be additional victims, and I am asking anyone with information about the recruiting of minors for child pornography, or any other type of sexual exploitation, to call law enforcement immediately."
Authorities believe there could be as many as 20 additional victims.
As a result of the lengthy investigation, Thomas faces charges of soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computers, traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sexual activity, possession with intention to promote sexual performance of a child, 22 counts of child pornography and unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
“Additionally, parents need to know that predators will use any means possible to target and exploit a child," said Moody. "I am asking parents and guardians to please make sure you know who your children meet online, and talk to them about sexual predators.”
Anyone with information about this case should call Broward County Detective Michael Joo at (954) 888-5241.
