August 19, 2025

Jacksonville Man Indicted for Attempted Child Enticement

News Summary

Jerry Alexander Cobb, a 37-year-old from Jacksonville, has been indicted on federal charges for attempting to entice a 13-year-old girl into sexual activity through his cellphone and the internet. The FBI operation, part of a broader initiative against child exploitation, led to Cobb’s arrest when he attempted to meet what he believed to be a minor. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Jacksonville – Jerry Alexander Cobb, a 37-year-old resident of Jacksonville, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly attempting to entice a 13-year-old girl into sexual activity using his cellphone and the internet. The indictment is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at combating child exploitation.

Cobb’s alleged communication with the minor occurred between July 18 and August 1, 2023. During this period, he believed he was engaging with a child, but he was actually corresponding with an undercover FBI agent posing as a minor. The situation escalated when Cobb arranged to meet this supposed child, leading to his arrest by FBI agents upon his arrival at the meeting location.

According to court documents, Cobb engaged in conversations about various inappropriate topics, including sneaking out, the idea of being a virgin, and even suggested to the undercover agent the possibility of securing a hotel room for their meeting. Additionally, he reportedly requested an explicit photograph from the undercover agent, who was pretending to be the minor child he was attempting to entice.

If convicted, Cobb faces serious repercussions, including a minimum of 10 years in federal prison. The possible maximum sentence could extend to life imprisonment, along with the potential for a lifetime of supervised release. Authorities are treating this case with utmost seriousness, given the implications surrounding child safety and exploitation.

This indictment is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed specifically at addressing and preventing the exploitation of children. Through collaborative efforts, law enforcement aims to track down offenders who exploit children and to raise awareness of child exploitation issues across the country.

The growing use of technology, particularly among young individuals, highlights the need for increased vigilance against such dangers. Law enforcement agencies are ramping up training and resources to tackle these threats head-on, ensuring that they can effectively respond to any similar attempts to exploit minors through digital platforms.

Individuals who suspect inappropriate behavior involving children or online exploitation campaigns are encouraged to report such activities to local authorities or federal investigation agencies immediately. Protecting children from potential predators is a shared responsibility, and authorities stress the importance of community vigilance and engagement in preventing such incidents.

Cobb’s case continues to unfold, and as it progresses through the judicial system, it serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of child exploitation in today’s digital age. Legal representatives are preparing for the next steps in the case, while the prosecution plans to present the evidence gathered during the undercover operation and subsequent arrest.

As the legal process continues, this critical incident shines a light on the importance of safeguarding children in an era where technology facilitates not only communication but also potential predatory behavior. Community education and law enforcement coordination remain crucial components in the fight against child exploitation.

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Additional Resources

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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