Martin County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that a 22‑year‑old Maryland resident, Ting Bawi, was taken into custody on charges stemming from an alleged online relationship with a minor. Investigators say the suspect first made contact with the 12‑year‑old girl through the popular online game Roblox, where the child listed her age as 16.
Investigation details
According to the arrest report, the victim began communicating with Bawi in 2025. Law enforcement officials in both Florida and Maryland reviewed text messages exchanged between the two parties. The messages included statements such as “You belong to me,” “I can’t wait to have you in my possession,” and a disturbing desire to “make a kid” with the girl.
During a search of Bawi’s phone, investigators discovered child sexual abuse material, prompting a broader inquiry into whether additional victims might exist. The victim, who was interviewed by Martin County detectives, confirmed that the conversations made it clear she was a middle‑school student despite her false age claim on Roblox.
Legal actions and bond
Bawi was booked into the Martin County Jail on a warrant issued for his arrest. He was released after posting a $30,000 bond. While Florida authorities moved forward with charges, investigators in Baltimore County, Maryland, did not file a sexual‑solicitation charge because Maryland’s age of consent is 16, matching the age the victim claimed on her Roblox profile.
The case highlights the challenges law‑enforcement faces when online platforms enable predators to misrepresent their identities. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting children and urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity, especially on gaming platforms where age verification is often lax.
Community response
Local parents and community leaders expressed concern over the incident, calling for increased education about online safety. Several school districts in the area have already scheduled informational sessions for families, focusing on recognizing red flags and reporting suspicious behavior.
“Our children deserve a safe digital environment,” said a representative from the Martin County School Board. “We will work with law‑enforcement and technology companies to ensure that our kids are protected both in the classroom and online.”
Next steps
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to examine Bawi’s digital footprint for any additional evidence of wrongdoing and are coordinating with federal agencies to determine whether the case crosses state lines, which could invoke federal statutes.
Anyone with information about the suspect’s activities or other potential victims is encouraged to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
