Alleged Online Predator Coerces Teen in Disturbing Roblox Encounter

A man accused of predatory behavior allegedly manipulated a teenage girl he encountered on Roblox into sending explicit images of herself and later twice urged her to commit suicide, according to authorities.

Landen Westfall, 24, was apprehended at his residence in Athens, Alabama, on February 9th. He faces over 260 charges related to inappropriate conduct with a minor, a result of a four-month probe that is anticipated to bring further federal charges, as reported by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Westfall initially connected with the Louisiana teen through online interactions on the popular children’s platform Roblox. However, the situation took a dark turn when their communications shifted to “other platforms,” as detailed by the sheriff’s office.

The two engaged in video chats, during which “Westfall allegedly became verbally abusive and threatening towards” the young girl, coercing her into self-harm, according to the sheriff’s statement.

Furthermore, the sheriff’s office alleged that Westfall encouraged the girl to end her life on two separate occasions.

Westfall is currently held in a Louisiana jail, facing two counts of criminal assistance to suicide, 261 counts of indecent behavior with a child, and 15 counts of juvenile pornography. His bail has been set at $750,000.

An FBI investigation is continuing, with federal charges “pending,” the sheriff said — while arning of the dangers of online games.

Sheriff Craig Webre warned parents that innocent-looking games can be exploited. 

“Talk with your children about the dangers of online predators and be sure you have access to all their accounts, even games,” Sheriff Craig Webre said.

“Also remember that things created for kids – such as Roblox – can sometimes be exploited by predators. Just because something is ‘made for kids’ doesn’t mean you should blindly trust it.”

David R. Fitzgibbons, the special agent in charge of the FBI in Birmingham, also issued a stark warning.

“Crime knows no boundaries and neither should we,” he said. 

Last November, Roblox bosses announced roll checks would be implemented for the platform’s 151 million users.

This is designed to ensure kids would chat with players of a similar age, not adults.

Chat functions for kids under 9 are switched off by default and a parent must provide consent following an age check.