August 17, 2025

Jacksonville Man Charged with Attempted Child Enticement

News Summary

A 37-year-old man from Jacksonville, Jerry Cobb, faces charges for attempting to entice a 13-year-old girl into sexual activity. The allegations stem from an undercover FBI operation that exposed his communications where he expressed interest in meeting the minor and suggested inappropriate actions. Cobb was arrested after arranging a meeting with an undercover agent posing as the girl. If convicted, he faces potential life imprisonment, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding child safety and online predators.

Jacksonville – A 37-year-old man from Jacksonville, identified as Jerry Cobb, has been charged with attempting to entice a 13-year-old girl into sexual activity, according to the Justice Department. The charges are the result of an undercover operation conducted by the FBI over a two-week period from July 18 to August 1.

During the operation, an FBI agent posing as a minor used a social media application to identify individuals looking to engage in inappropriate contact with children. Throughout the interaction with Cobb, who was identified as “Jerry” in their communication, the undercover agent disclosed her age to him, confirming that she was 13 years old.

Cobb reportedly responded with an inquiry about the girl’s willingness to sneak out at night and asked if she was a virgin. He expressed an interest in cultivating a friendship, leading to suggestive conversations about a potential meeting. On July 30, Cobb proposed a rendezvous at a hotel room where he indicated intentions of sexual activity, stating his plan to bring a condom.

On August 1, Cobb allegedly requested the minor to send him an explicit photograph and arranged to meet her in Jacksonville for sexual encounters. Later that evening, FBI agents arrested him at the designated location intended for their meeting.

If convicted of these charges, Cobb faces a significant sentence, potentially up to life imprisonment in federal prison. The details of this case have raised concerns about child safety and the initiatives police and federal agents undertake to protect young individuals from predators.

This incident occurs amid heightened efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and trafficking. The FBI and local authorities often collaborate in operations designed to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to engage minors in illicit activities online.

Law enforcement officials have reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The seriousness of the charges faced by Cobb underscores ongoing societal concerns regarding the safety of children and the need for continued vigilance in online and community environments.

As communities grapple with issues surrounding child safety in an increasingly digital world, this case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers minors may face when interacting with unknown individuals online. This incident highlights the crucial role that law enforcement plays in safeguarding vulnerable populations through targeted and proactive measures.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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