ROANOKE, Va. — A former Southwest Virginia youth pastor has admitted guilt in a federal case involving attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court records filed this week.
Jacob Ryan Barnett, 34, previously affiliated with Catawba Valley Baptist Church, entered a guilty plea on Monday, December 9, in connection with charges tied to the solicitation of sexual material from a child.
Federal investigators say Barnett was arrested by the FBI in North Carolina on August 6, 2025, following an investigation that began with a tip involving an underage girl in Michigan.
According to court documents, the case centers on alleged online communication that took place in May 2025. Investigators determined that a 15-year-old girl received messages from an account presenting itself as a teenage boy using the name “Jodie Johnson.” Authorities later concluded the account was allegedly operated by Barnett as part of an attempt to establish inappropriate contact and groom the minor.
The investigation ultimately led federal agents to identify Barnett as the individual behind the messages, resulting in his arrest and the federal charges.
Barnett now faces severe sentencing consequences. Under federal law, the charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment.
No sentencing date has been publicly announced. Federal prosecutors have not released additional details regarding whether other victims may be involved.
This case remains a developing story.