U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
Jack Sherlock, a 55-year-old resident of Salamanca, New York, has been arrested and charged with attempted production of child pornography and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. These charges carry severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and potentially up to life imprisonment.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Franz M. Wright. According to the criminal complaint, on November 7, 2024, the Salamanca Police Department reached out to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after receiving information from a Pennsylvania-based citizens group. This group had engaged in undercover online communications with Sherlock, who allegedly initiated sexual conversations with what he believed was a Facebook account belonging to a 12-year-old girl from Salamanca.
In these interactions, Sherlock reportedly requested nude images from the supposed minor and expressed an interest in meeting her for sexual activities. On November 20, investigators assumed control of the Facebook account used by the citizens group and continued communication with Sherlock while posing as the young girl. During these exchanges, an investigator introduced another character—a "cousin" also portrayed as a 12-year-old girl—and provided Sherlock with access to this second fictitious account.
Sherlock is accused of quickly engaging in sexually explicit conversations with this second persona as well. He allegedly sought explicit images and arranged an in-person meeting for sexual purposes. Authorities arrested him on December 4 when he attempted to meet one of the supposed minors.
Members of the public possessing relevant information about this case are encouraged to contact HSI's Buffalo Office at 716-945-2330.
This investigation involved cooperation between several agencies: 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 criminal charges are merely accusations at this stage; Jack Sherlock is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
