In a troubling development for the Christian community, Jacob Ryan Barnett, a former youth pastor at Catawba Valley Baptist Church in Virginia, was arrested on August 6, 2025, for allegedly soliciting sexually explicit materials from a minor. The 34-year-old was taken into custody in North Carolina and subsequently transported back to Virginia to face serious charges.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, Barnett reportedly attempted to groom a 15-year-old girl from Michigan through TikTok. Posing as a teenage boy named “Jodie Johnson,” he exchanged phone numbers with the girl and repeatedly requested that she send him explicit videos of herself.
The investigation began after the FBI received a tip about Barnett’s online behavior. Authorities discovered that Barnett’s TikTok account was following thousands of young girls, and he was also active on platforms like Discord and Snapchat, where he allegedly continued to solicit inappropriate material from minors.
U.S. Attorney C. Todd Gilbert emphasized the importance of parental vigilance in his statement, highlighting the need for parents to monitor their children’s online activities. “The facts presented serve as a reminder for all parents to be aware of what their children are doing online,” he said. Gilbert urged parents to engage in conversations with their children about online safety and to teach them how to report any suspicious interactions.
In response to the arrest, Catawba Valley Baptist Church expressed their devastation over the allegations against Barnett. In a statement, the church said, “We are deeply grieved by these allegations. Our prayers are with anyone who may have been impacted, and we ask the Lord for comfort, healing, and justice.” They reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all children and families within their congregation, stating that they are cooperating with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk in the digital world, especially for young people. With platforms like TikTok, Discord, and Snapchat providing avenues for harmful interactions, parents are encouraged to stay informed and proactive in protecting their children from online predators.
For more information on online safety and resources for parents, organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provide valuable guidance on how to keep children safe in an increasingly digital age.
As the legal process unfolds, the Christian community remains hopeful for healing and justice for all affected by this troubling situation.