Jack Sherlock, a 55-year-old resident of Salamanca, NY, has been arrested and charged with attempted production of child pornography and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. These charges come with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could lead to life imprisonment.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Franz M. Wright, the case began when the Salamanca Police Department reached out to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on November 7, 2024. They reported that a Pennsylvania-based citizens group had engaged in undercover online chats with Sherlock. He had initiated sexual conversations with what he believed was a Facebook account belonging to a 12-year-old girl living in Salamanca. During these interactions, Sherlock requested nude images from the girl and expressed an interest in meeting her for sexual activity.
On November 20, investigators took control of the Facebook account from the citizens group and continued communication with Sherlock. An investigator posed as the young girl mentioned having a "cousin," also purportedly 12 years old, who was present with her. The investigator provided Sherlock with access to this fictional cousin's Facebook account, leading him to engage in sexually explicit conversations with this second persona as well.
Sherlock arranged to meet one of these personas for sex but was apprehended by law enforcement on December 4 as he attempted to follow through on his plan.
Authorities urge anyone with specific information about this case to contact the HSI Buffalo Office at 716-945-2330.
The investigation involved collaboration between the Salamanca Police Department led by Chief Jamie Deck, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and Homeland Security Investigations directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
It is important to note that being charged is not proof of guilt; Jack Sherlock remains innocent unless proven otherwise in court.