Switch used to help rescue missing girl from abductor
Court records show that a Switch system helped the FBI in its search to find a missing 15-year-old girl in Arizona last summer.
The unnamed teen disappeared in Virginia on August 3, 2022. ABC reports that Ethan Roberts, who was 28 at the time, “befriended her on the internet, traveled to Virginia to get her, and later forced her into child pornography.” However, Roberts did allow her to bring her Switch console – which eventually led to her return.
While in Arizona, the girl connected to the internet to watch YouTube and download a game. A friend noticed that she appeared online with recent activity and alerted the authorities. After reaching out to Nintendo, the FBI was able to obtain the Switch’s IP address and found the abductor’s apartment complex.
Soon after, the FBI and Tolleson police surrounded Roberts’ apartment and made an immediate arrest. He was charged in federal court relating to child pornography and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. A plea deal was reached in April, and he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
As for the girl, she thankfully made it back home. The rescue took place eleven days after she first disappeared.
You can check out the video report from ABC on the situation below.
News Report
Thanks to Jake for the tip.
