U.S. Marshals Arrest Georgia Fugitive Wanted for Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses

Glendale, AZ – Members of the U.S. Marshals in Arizona arrested a Georgia fugitive on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, who is wanted on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.

"The U.S. Marshals Service remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting children and bringing violent offenders to justice, no matter where they attempt to hide," said U.S. Marshal Van Bayless for the District of Arizona. "This arrest reflects the outstanding collaboration between our regional fugitive task forces and our state and local law enforcement partners. Together, we will continue pursuing those who prey on children and work tirelessly to ensure they are held accountable for their crimes."

Joshua Jacobs was wanted by authorities in DeKalb County, Georgia, on charges stemming from an investigation into the online exploitation of a 12-year-old child.

According to investigators, Jacobs allegedly communicated with the child through electronic means and exchanged more than 100 images and videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Investigators further allege that Jacobs directed the child to create additional sexually explicit images and videos and threatened to expose the victim's identity if the child refused to continue producing and sending the material. Authorities also believe there may be additional unidentified victims.

Following the issuance of a warrant in June 2026, the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force adopted the fugitive investigation and developed information indicating Jacobs had fled to Arizona and a collateral lead request was then forwarded to the U.S. Marshals in Arizona.

Task Force investigators conducted an extensive fugitive investigation, including surveillance at an apartment complex in Glendale, where they believed Jacobs was residing. On July 1, Task Force members positively identified Jacobs at the location and safely took him into custody without incident.

During the arrest, investigators also secured evidence believed to be relevant to the ongoing criminal investigation.

Jacobs was booked into the Maricopa County Jail, where he is being held pending extradition to Georgia.

The Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals Service led multi-jurisdictional fugitive apprehension unit responsible for more than 1748 arrests in the last year. The task force is comprised of 22 agencies bringing together the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the community’s most violent offenders and sexual predators.