A man from Catawba, Virginia, was arrested in North Carolina for allegedly attempting to coerce and entice a minor online. Jacob Ryan Barnett, 34, faces federal charges following an investigation by the FBI. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Roanoke early next week.
“While the charges against Mr. Barnett are just allegations at this point, the facts presented do serve as a reminder for all parents to be aware of what their children are doing online,” United States Attorney C. Todd Gilbert said today. “Our kids occupy a world where those seeking to harm them have countless avenues, like TikTok, Discord, Snapchat and others, to reach across vast distances directly into their bedrooms. Please, monitor their online activity, talk to them about the dangers that are out there, and let them know how to report folks who try to exploit them online.”
“The heinous crimes Barnett is charged with are what keep parents up at night. Educating our kids and communities about the threats posed by faceless, online personas is crucial to maintaining their safety. Working with our partners, FBI Richmond will bring the full weight of the justice system on anyone who attempts to harm our children. The FBI will never stop searching for these predators and bringing justice for victims,” said Ann Busby, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division.
Court records indicate that the investigation began when the FBI received information that an unknown person had tried to groom a 15-year-old girl in Michigan through social media platforms. The individual used a TikTok account under the name “Jodie Johnson” and convinced the victim over several days to send sexually explicit material.
Investigators linked the TikTok account and associated phone number back to Barnett in Catawba, Virginia. Evidence showed he interacted frequently with minors and used multiple platforms such as Discord and Snapchat while posing as a teenager.
Authorities found that Barnett’s accounts followed thousands of minor girls and that he solicited explicit content from other children as well.
If convicted on these charges, Barnett could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment. Sentencing would be determined by a federal judge according to established guidelines.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman after an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Officials emphasized that criminal complaints are only allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
