JACOB OZBIRN CAUGHT IN SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA TRYING TO MEET 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN UK

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat of online predators, US Airman Jacob Ozbirn was recently apprehended after attempting to meet a girl he believed was just 12 years old. The incident unfolded while Ozbirn was stationed in England, specifically at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, but the events leading to his arrest took place across the border in Derbyshire.

Ozbirn, aged 30, had been grooming what he thought was a young girl online, engaging in conversations that quickly turned inappropriate. He had arranged to meet her at a secluded country lane in Bretby, Derbyshire, approximately two hours from his base. The plan was to meet the girl in person, and he even attempted to book a hotel for the two of them, believing they would spend time together. However, the girl was not real; she was a decoy operated by paedophile hunters from the group Keeping Kids Safe, who had set up a live sting on Facebook to catch predators.

During the 57-minute video recording of the encounter, Ozbirn was captured on camera explaining that his intentions were to educate the girl about the dangers of online predators, claiming he had groomed her for that purpose rather than any malicious intent. He insisted that he believed he had not broken any laws through his online activities. In the footage, he can be heard saying he had tried to book a hotel but found no rooms available, suggesting that he and the girl might have to use his car, which he described as “old but clean,” or find another location for their meeting. Ozbirn also asked the decoy if she was comfortable with having sex with him, despite her claiming to be only 12 years old.

Following the sting, Derbyshire Police were contacted and subsequently arrested Ozbirn. The case was then transferred to the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, as Ozbirn was a service member. He was brought before a military court and, after a three-day trial last month, was found guilty on multiple charges. These included two counts of attempted sexual abuse of a child, related to his sending lewd texts to what he believed was a 12-year-old girl, as well as charges of attempted sexual assault of a child and attempted possession of child abuse images.

Captain Chris Sullivan, a public affairs officer for the 352nd Special Operations Wing at RAF Mildenhall, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism among military personnel. He stated, “As military members, we must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. We will continue to use all available resources to identify and investigate members suspected of failing to meet our standards, and when necessary, take appropriate administrative or disciplinary action against them.”

Ozbirn, who had been stationed at RAF Mildenhall for a year, has now been deported back to the United States, where he is serving his sentence in a military prison. He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. During the investigation, Ozbirn told the hunters that his job was to “make maps,” but his online communications revealed his attempts to arrange a meeting for sex. He claimed he had tried to book a hotel but was unsuccessful, and suggested that he and the decoy could use his car or find another location. His messages also included asking the girl if she was okay with having sex with him, despite her age.

A spokesperson for the group Keeping Kids Safe commented on the case, saying, “Ozbirn arranged to meet two decoys for sex and was caught on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border. We had three decoys in total on him. A massive well done to everyone on this case as at times it was very mentally straining and had members away from their families for a week. Again a massive thank you and well done for the commitment in going to court and getting the result and to everyone else that was also questioned by the OCI (Office of Criminal Investigation).”