A man from Catawba, Virginia, Jacob Ryan Barnett, 34, was arrested in North Carolina on charges of attempting to coerce and entice a minor. The arrest followed an investigation by the FBI after receiving a tip that someone had tried to groom a 15-year-old girl from Michigan.
Barnett is accused of using social media platforms such as TikTok, Discord, and Snapchat to contact minors while posing as a teenager named “Jodie Johnson.” According to court records, he allegedly convinced the Michigan victim to send him a sexually explicit video after several days of messaging.
United States Attorney C. Todd Gilbert commented on the case: “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. 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.”
Ann Busby, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division added: “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.”
Investigators found that Barnett’s TikTok account was following thousands of minor girls and determined he used multiple accounts across different platforms to solicit explicit material from children.
If convicted on these charges, Barnett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing relevant guidelines and statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting for the government.
Authorities remind the public that criminal complaints are only allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
