Is Electronic Enticement a Class IV Felony for Roblox Predators in Nebraska?

Understanding Electronic Enticement and Your Child’s Safety on Roblox

If you’ve discovered inappropriate messages on your child’s Roblox account or suspect an adult has been contacting them through the gaming platform, you’re facing every parent’s nightmare. Yes, electronic enticement of minors through platforms like Roblox is prosecuted as a Class IV felony in Nebraska, carrying serious criminal penalties for offenders who target children under 16. Online enticement reports skyrocketed to 518,720 in the first half of 2025, with gaming platforms becoming hunting grounds for predators. Understanding Nebraska’s laws and your options for protecting your child becomes crucial when facing this devastating situation.

💡 Pro Tip: Document everything immediately—screenshot conversations, save usernames, and note dates and times before any evidence disappears. This documentation will be vital for both criminal prosecution and potential civil action.

Don’t navigate these challenging waters alone. Reach out to Kent | Pincin for compassionate and skilled legal guidance. Call us at (402) 243-5535 or contact us to take the next step towards justice and peace of mind.

Nebraska’s Legal Framework for Prosecuting Online Predators

Nebraska Revised Statute 28-833 criminalizes enticement by electronic communication device, providing strong legal protection for children targeted by online predators. Under this statute, any person 19 years or older who knowingly contacts a child under 16 and uses indecent language, transmits sexually explicit images, or solicits indecent acts faces Class IV felony charges. The law recognizes "electronic communication device" as any device transmitting writings, sounds, visual images, or data—covering gaming platforms and social media. Families can pursue both criminal prosecution and civil remedies to hold predators accountable.

Nebraska’s ICAC Task Force comprises 61 federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies investigating these crimes. The statute treats the offense as occurring where the communication was initiated or received, giving prosecutors flexibility in pursuing charges. State v. Paez established that when actual minors are involved, prosecutors must prove the defendant knew the victim was under 16.

💡 Pro Tip: Nebraska law allows prosecution in either the jurisdiction where messages were sent or received, giving you options if the predator lives in a different county or state.

The Investigation and Prosecution Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the timeline helps families prepare for the legal journey ahead. The process begins when you report the incident to local law enforcement or the Nebraska Child Exploitation Unit. Here’s what typically unfolds:

• Initial Report and Emergency Response (0-72 hours): Law enforcement assesses immediate danger and may execute search warrants
• Digital Forensics and Evidence Collection (1-4 weeks): Investigators analyze electronic devices, gaming accounts, and communication records
• CyberTipline Coordination (Ongoing): Reports to NCMEC’s CyberTipline are forwarded to appropriate agencies
• Criminal Charges Filed (2-8 weeks): Prosecutors review evidence and file Class IV felony charges
• Parallel Civil Action (3-6 months): Families can pursue civil remedies while criminal proceedings continue

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait for criminal charges before consulting a civil attorney—parallel proceedings can strengthen both cases and ensure maximum protection for your child.

Pursuing Justice: Criminal Prosecution and Civil Remedies with Kent | Pincin

While criminal prosecution punishes offenders with potential prison time, families can pursue civil remedies addressing lasting harm to their children. Kent | Pincin understands the unique challenges these cases present, from preserving digital evidence to navigating the intersection of criminal and civil proceedings. Civil litigation provides compensation for therapy, counseling, and other damages while holding predators financially accountable.

The multi-jurisdictional nature of online crimes requires legal representation familiar with both Nebraska state law and federal regulations. These cases often involve complex technical evidence, requiring attorneys who understand both the legal framework and digital landscape. By coordinating with law enforcement while pursuing civil remedies, families can maximize their options for justice and ensure their children receive necessary support for recovery.

💡 Pro Tip: Civil lawsuits can proceed even if criminal charges result in a plea deal or reduced sentence, providing an additional avenue for accountability and compensation.

The Rising Threat: Understanding Predator Tactics on Gaming Platforms

The explosion of online gaming has created new hunting grounds for predators, with reports involving generative artificial intelligence soaring from 6,835 to 440,419 in six months of 2025. Predators target platforms like Roblox because they offer direct messaging, voice chat, and virtual currency systems that can be exploited for grooming. Financial sextortion reports increased from 13,842 to 23,593 during this period, showing how predators combine emotional manipulation with financial exploitation.

Common Grooming Patterns on Roblox

Predators typically begin with seemingly innocent game-related conversations before gradually introducing inappropriate topics. They often offer in-game currency, exclusive items, or special attention to build trust with young players. These patterns demonstrate evidence of intent, particularly important given that State v. Paez requires proving the defendant’s knowledge of the victim’s age. The progression from game chat to requests for personal information or external communication platforms demonstrates the premeditated nature that elevates these crimes to felony status.

💡 Pro Tip: Enable parental controls and regularly review your child’s friends list and chat history—predators often use multiple accounts to maintain contact if one gets blocked.

Building Your Case: Evidence Collection and Child Protection Strategies

Successful prosecution under Class IV felony Nebraska statutes requires comprehensive evidence collection beyond simple screenshots. The Nebraska ICAC Task Force has reached over 60,000 people through Internet safety programs and public education presentations, emphasizing that families must act quickly to secure digital proof. Working with a specialist ensures evidence meets legal standards for both criminal prosecution and civil litigation.

Critical Evidence Types in Electronic Enticement Cases

Critical evidence includes chat logs, IP addresses, payment records for in-game purchases used in grooming, voice recordings if available, and metadata showing communication times and frequencies. The federal enhancement for using computers to entice minors applies when predators communicate directly with victims or those who have custody of them. Attorney teams work with digital forensics experts to extract and preserve this data properly, ensuring it remains viable throughout legal proceedings.

💡 Pro Tip: Create a dedicated email account solely for collecting and forwarding evidence—this protects your primary email from potential harassment while maintaining a clear chain of custody.

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal Rights and Criminal Penalties

Parents facing this crisis often have urgent questions about Nebraska’s legal protections and what happens to perpetrators who target their children online. Understanding the severe penalties and your family’s rights helps you make informed decisions during this difficult time.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a written log of all interactions with law enforcement and prosecutors—this documentation helps your civil attorney coordinate effectively with criminal proceedings.

Protecting Your Child and Seeking Justice

The path forward involves both immediate protective measures and long-term legal strategies. Families need clear guidance on everything from initial reporting to pursuing compensation for harm caused to their children.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider having your child speak with a forensic interviewer trained in online abuse cases—their specialized techniques help preserve testimony while minimizing additional trauma.

1. What specific penalties do Roblox predators face under Nebraska sexual abuse laws?

Under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-833, electronic enticement is a Class IV felony punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and 12 months post-release supervision, with no mandatory minimum sentence. Federal charges may add decades. Predators also face civil lawsuits, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifetime restrictions on internet use and contact with minors.

2. How quickly should I contact a Roblox predator lawyer after discovering inappropriate contact?

Contact both law enforcement and an attorney immediately—ideally within 24-48 hours. Quick action preserves digital evidence before deletion and allows for emergency protective orders if needed. Early attorney involvement ensures evidence is properly preserved and your child’s rights are fully protected from the start.

3. Can we pursue a civil lawsuit if the predator isn’t criminally convicted?

Yes, civil cases have a lower burden of proof ("preponderance of evidence") compared to criminal cases ("beyond a reasonable doubt"). Even if prosecutors decline charges or a criminal case results in acquittal, families can still pursue civil remedies independently, potentially resulting in compensation for therapy, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

4. What if the Roblox predator lives in another state or country?

Nebraska law allows prosecution where either the communication originated or was received, providing jurisdictional flexibility. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children program coordinates international investigations through their 68-member global task force. Your attorney can pursue civil claims across state lines and work with federal authorities when international predators target Nebraska children.

5. How can I help my child through both the legal process and emotional recovery?

Coordinate with your attorney to minimize your child’s involvement in proceedings while ensuring their voice is heard. Many counties offer victim advocacy services and specialized therapy for online abuse survivors. Document therapy expenses and emotional impacts for your civil case, as these damages are recoverable. The Nebraska Child Exploitation Unit can connect you with resources specifically designed for families navigating these situations.

Work with a Trusted Sexual Abuse Lawyer

When your child becomes a victim of online predation, choosing the right legal representation makes a profound difference in both criminal and civil proceedings. Experienced sexual abuse attorneys understand the unique challenges of digital evidence, the intersection of state and federal laws, and the delicate balance between pursuing justice and protecting your child from further trauma. They coordinate with law enforcement while independently building civil cases, ensure proper evidence preservation, and connect families with appropriate support resources. Pursuing legal action empowers families to transform a traumatic experience into a path toward healing and accountability.

Protecting your child’s future starts with a single step. Connect with Kent | Pincin for thoughtful legal support tailored to your situation. Dial (402) 243-5535 or contact us today.