Florida Man Imprisoned for Targeting Victims via Discord in Maricopa County

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — A Florida man, Jacob Lozano, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for using online gaming platforms to exploit minors in Maricopa County. His conviction follows a guilty plea to charges related to sexual exploitation and aggravated luring of minors.

Lozano, 24, was apprehended last year after the mother of an 11-year-old boy from Scottsdale reported receiving explicit messages and images from him. The boy had encountered Lozano while playing Fortnite. Following the initial report, investigators identified two additional victims in the area, who were also contacted by Lozano via Discord.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the critical role of parental vigilance in protecting children online. “Jacob Lozano found a child’s online playground and used it as a means for his own gratification,” Mitchell stated. “I commend the parent in this case who was paying close attention.”

In response to increasing concerns about online safety, Discord has implemented a “Teen Safety Assist initiative” designed to help protect younger users from unwanted messages and explicit content. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to enhance safety on digital platforms.