Feds: School Employee Used Roblox In-Game Currency to Coerce Explicit Content from Children

Michael Sands {BSO}

Federal authorities say a Randazzo School employee in Coconut Creek used Roblox’s in-game currency, Robux, to coerce children into sending explicit content.

Federal authorities arrested Evan Michael Sands, 26, of Tamarac, on Thursday following an investigation that began late last year. School officials confirmed Sands was employed at the Randazzo School in Coconut Creek, though they did not specify his role.

According to a federal criminal complaint, the case was launched after Discord submitted a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which was then forwarded to the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The tip involved two videos allegedly shared through the platform that depicted very young children.

Investigators later obtained a warrant to review Sands’ Discord account. Data provided by the company reportedly showed he used the username “astraldrag0n#0” to communicate with minors, including children under 12, and allegedly pressured them to send sexually explicit photos and videos.

Authorities said Sands also sent explicit content of himself to minors and identified himself using his real name, home address, and workplace. In addition, investigators said they uncovered evidence that he distributed illegal images and videos through the platform.

Agents executed a search warrant at Sands’ home in Tamarac on Thursday and detained him after spotting him leaving the residence. During the investigation, officials said they examined his phone and found numerous illicit files involving minors.

According to court documents, Sands admitted during questioning that he had communicated with minors online and used “Robux,” a virtual currency associated with the online game Roblox, to entice them. He also acknowledged sending explicit material and told investigators he believed at least one of the minors he contacted was around 12 years old. Authorities said he indicated this behavior began in 2021.

Sands has been charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, along with enticement of a minor. Prosecutors are expected to seek his detention pending trial.

In a statement from the school obtained by Local 10, Randazzo School officials said they were notified of the arrest and described the situation as “shocking and deeply concerning.” They added that Sands is no longer employed at the school and emphasized their cooperation with law enforcement.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” the school said, noting that authorities have not indicated any students from the school were involved.

Sands appeared in federal court in Fort Lauderdale on Friday. As of that morning, he remained in custody at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail under a U.S. Marshals hold.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.

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