BATON ROUGE — Authorities have arrested a Baton Rouge man on multiple charges after investigators say he engaged in inappropriate online interactions with underage girls. The case highlights growing concerns about internet safety for children and the critical role of parental oversight in the digital age.
According to jail records, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies took Joseph Randall, 20, into custody on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. He faces multiple charges, including one count of pornography involving children under 13, seven counts of computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and six counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.
Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Online Activity
According to arrest records, the sheriff’s office launched its investigation in November 2024 after receiving an FBI tip regarding two separate cases involving an online user later identified as Randall.
One victim, a 14-year-old girl from North Carolina, reported the alleged behavior in September 2024. Investigators say Randall initially contacted her on Roblox, a gaming platform popular with children, before persuading her to move their conversations to Discord, a chat app where he allegedly coerced her into sending explicit photos.
In October 2024, a 15-year-old girl from Texas told authorities that Randall extorted her for several hundred dollars, threatening to release nude photos if she did not comply. Investigators say he also communicated with this victim via Discord.
During the investigation, authorities discovered a video of child sexual abuse material involving a child under 13 on Randall’s Discord account.
Randall was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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Online Safety Experts: Parental Involvement is Key
This case underscores the dangers children face online and the importance of parental oversight. Digital habits educator Kati Morse LeBreton warns that predators often target children on popular gaming and social media platforms before moving conversations to private messaging apps like Discord or Snapchat.
“Anything that is connected to the internet, parents just need to assume that it is not private in any way,” LeBreton said. “The internet is constantly changing, and parents must adapt to keep their children safe.”
With platforms like Roblox, Instagram, and Snapchat introducing new parental controls, LeBreton stresses the need for parents to be actively involved in their children’s online lives.
“What I do like about this Roblox update is that it forces parents to make their own account. Some parents probably can’t even explain what Roblox is, but their kids play it. This update is a step toward helping parents engage with their children’s digital lives,” she said.
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Tips for Protecting Kids Online
LeBreton urges parents to take these proactive steps to keep their children safe:
Assume your child is more tech-savvy than you. “They’re not necessarily being sneaky; they just want to participate in the digital world,” she said.
Understand the platforms your child is using. “Familiarize yourself with the apps or games they play and set up parental controls.”
Treat digital devices as responsibilities, not toys. “It’s like teaching a child to drive—it requires rules, guidance, and practice.”
Encourage open communication. “Talking about online safety, especially as kids become teenagers, is crucial. The internet isn’t going away, and kids must learn how to navigate it responsibly.”
Setting Up Parental Controls in Roblox
With Roblox’s new parental controls, parents can now monitor their child’s activity remotely and set safety restrictions. Here’s how:
1. Open Roblox and click the ellipsis (three dots) to access “More.”
2. Go to Settings and select “Parental Controls.”
3. Verify your identity using a credit card or ID.
4. Link your account to your child’s.
5. Set safety restrictions for chat, friend requests, and in-game content.
“The best thing parents can do is talk to their kids about being online,” LeBreton emphasized. “The internet is not a toy; it’s a tool that must be used responsibly.”
For more information about online safety, visit American Academy of Pediatrics or consult resources provided by Roblox, Instagram, and Snapchat.
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