A 31-year-old Logan man was arrested this week after allegedly soliciting sexual acts from a 17-year-old girl, according to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, identified as Jacob Lee Barlow, was taken into custody on multiple felony charges following a police investigation that began earlier this month.
According to court documents, investigators believe Barlow communicated with the teenager through social media and text messages, allegedly offering money and gifts in exchange for sexual activity. Authorities say the case highlights ongoing concerns about online safety and exploitation of minors in northern Utah.
Investigation and Arrest
The case originated when the Logan City Police Department received a report from the girl’s parents, who discovered inappropriate messages on her phone. Officers quickly launched an investigation and contacted the Cache County Attorney’s Office to obtain digital warrants.
Detectives from the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force traced the communication back to Barlow’s residence in Logan. Police said they obtained sufficient evidence to conduct a search and interview.
“Detectives discovered explicit conversations and evidence suggesting solicitation of a minor,” said Logan Police spokesperson Capt. Curtis Hooley. “Our team acted quickly to prevent any potential meeting from taking place.”
Barlow was arrested without incident on Tuesday and booked into the Cache County Jail, where he remains held without bail pending an initial court appearance.
| Charge | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Enticing a Minor by Internet | 2nd-Degree Felony | Attempting to solicit sexual acts from a person under 18 |
| Dealing in Harmful Material to a Minor | 3rd-Degree Felony | Sending explicit photos or messages |
| Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor | 3rd-Degree Felony | Possession of sexually explicit content involving a minor |
Investigators say there is no indication the suspect had physical contact with the girl. However, police believe he may have communicated with other minors through social platforms and are asking the public to come forward with any relevant information.
Those with tips are encouraged to contact the Logan Police Department or submit anonymous information through Crime Stoppers of Cache Valley.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
Local law enforcement officials say this case underscores the importance of ongoing public awareness and digital vigilance. The Utah Department of Public Safety has repeatedly warned parents about predators using social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to target minors.
Cache County Attorney Spencer Walsh said his office intends to pursue the case aggressively. “These crimes are serious and traumatic for victims,” Walsh said. “We will ensure justice is served and that the community understands this type of predatory behavior will not be tolerated.”
According to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, incidents involving online solicitation of minors have increased by nearly 25% statewide since 2020, mirroring national trends reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Parents and guardians are urged to monitor online activity and maintain open conversations with teens about digital safety. The Utah Attorney General’s Office offers free online safety resources and community education workshops throughout the state.
Broader Context: Digital Crimes Against Children
The arrest adds to a growing list of cases in Utah involving online enticement and exploitation of minors. In recent years, collaborative efforts between the ICAC Task Force and the Utah Highway Patrol have led to dozens of arrests in similar cases.
Experts say that social media platforms have made it easier for offenders to hide behind anonymity, while teens often underestimate the risks of sharing personal information online.
“Predators exploit trust and curiosity,” said Lt. Mike Anderson of the Cache County Sheriff’s Office. “Education remains our strongest line of defense. We urge families to stay engaged and informed.”
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recommends parents routinely check privacy settings, limit contact lists, and report suspicious messages through platform safety tools.
What Happens Next
Barlow is expected to appear in 1st District Court in Logan next week. Prosecutors plan to seek pretrial detention due to the nature of the charges. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender under Utah law.
Court records show Barlow does not have a significant prior criminal history, though investigators are reviewing potential connections to other online profiles.
Meanwhile, the Cache County Sheriff’s Office has reminded the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The case remains under active investigation, and no further details have been released regarding the victim’s identity, consistent with juvenile privacy protections.
Community members seeking guidance on internet safety can visit the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Cyber Crime Prevention page or report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
The arrest of a Logan man accused of soliciting a 17-year-old girl serves as another reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of community vigilance. As Utah law enforcement continues to crack down on digital exploitation, officials urge parents and teens alike to remain cautious and proactive in safeguarding personal safety.
The case highlights both the effectiveness of Utah’s cybercrime task forces and the ongoing challenge of protecting minors in an increasingly connected world.
