Jury Finds Cobb Guilty of Armed Burglary, Assault, More Crimes
Jury Finds Barb Guilty of Sexual Battery Against Minor
Published on: October 23, 2024
Office of the State Attorney
Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida
www.sao4th.com
Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida
www.sao4th.com
Melissa W Nelson
State Attorney
311 West Monroe Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202-4242
(904) 255-2500
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.