Florida girls kidnapped by man they met on Roblox: MCSO

The Dark Side of Digital Connection: Kidnapping Risks in the Age of Online Gaming

The recent case of two Florida sisters, ages 12 and 15, allegedly kidnapped by a 19-year-old man they met on Roblox, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within online spaces. Rescued by the Georgia State Police, the girls were on their way to Nebraska with Hser Mu Lah Say, who investigators say had been grooming them for months. This incident, unfolding on February 2nd and 3rd, 2026, highlights a growing concern for law enforcement and parents alike.

From Virtual Worlds to Real-World Threats: How Grooming Happens

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek emphasized that the communication began innocently enough on Roblox in mid-2025, then transitioned to Snapchat. This progression is a common tactic used by predators, according to investigators. The sheriff’s office discovered deleted Snapchat conversations on the girls’ phones, which they were able to recover, revealing Say’s plans to pick them up. The suspect reportedly warned the girls he could get into trouble for his actions, indicating awareness of the illegality of his intentions.

This case isn’t isolated. The sheriff noted the girls went willingly initially, a key characteristic of grooming situations. Predators often build trust and manipulate victims into believing their intentions are harmless. Strange occurrences, like unexplained gifts – in this case, food delivered to the family home – can be early warning signs.

The Role of Gaming Platforms and Social Media

Roblox and Snapchat, while popular platforms for social interaction and gaming, can unfortunately provide avenues for predatory behavior. The anonymity offered by online environments can embolden individuals to engage in harmful activities. Law enforcement’s quick response, aided by the recovery of deleted app data, was crucial in preventing a potentially disastrous outcome. The sheriff stated that the girls were located just minutes before an Amber Alert would have been issued, potentially compromising the investigation.

Extradition and Charges

Hser Mu Lah Say is currently awaiting extradition to Martin County, Florida, where he faces two counts of kidnapping and two counts of interference with child custody. The investigation revealed he drove approximately 1,500 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, to Indiantown, Florida, arriving on Saturday before the incident unfolded.

Beyond This Case: A Broader Trend?

While this case is specific to Roblox and Snapchat, the underlying issue of online grooming and potential abduction is a broader concern. Parents and guardians must be vigilant about monitoring their children’s online activity and educating them about the risks of interacting with strangers online. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office’s swift action underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What platforms were involved in this case? Roblox and Snapchat were the primary platforms used for communication between the suspect and the girls.
• How long had the suspect been communicating with the girls? The suspect began communicating with the girls in mid-2025.
• What charges is the suspect facing? Hser Mu Lah Say is facing two counts of kidnapping and two counts of interference with child custody.
• Where was the suspect apprehended? The suspect was apprehended by the Georgia State Police while traveling on I-75.

Pro Tip: Regularly review your child’s privacy settings on all social media and gaming platforms. Encourage open communication about their online interactions.

Did you know? The Martin County Sheriff’s Office was able to recover deleted Snapchat conversations, highlighting the importance of forensic analysis in these types of investigations.

This case serves as a critical reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to protect children in the digital age. Stay informed, stay connected, and prioritize online safety.

Explore More: Read about other recent public safety concerns in Florida here.