Jury Finds Barb Guilty of Sexual Battery Against Minor

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found John Barb guilty of Capital Sexual Battery, Attempted Capital Sexual Battery, and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a minor. With the verdict, Barb faces a mandatory sentence of life in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Meredith Charbula will sentence Barb at a later date.

On Feb. 4, 2022, a 5-year-old victim was interviewed by the First Coast Child Protective team about sexual abuse following a report by a mental health provider. The victim described in detail how Barb molested her, exposed himself, and ejaculated on her in his bedroom on several occasions. Barb was arrested and, post-Miranda, confessed to some of the acts.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Giovanna Rivera and Khary Gaynor.