Online Predator Flew from US to Wales to Exploit Teen—Intercepted at Cardiff Airport

A disturbing case of online grooming culminated in the arrest of a 44-year-old American man, Jacob Ewing, who traveled from North Carolina to Wales to meet a teenage girl he had manipulated and sexually exploited over the internet. Ewing, who controlled every aspect of the girl’s life, was intercepted at Cardiff Airport by UK Border Force officers after intelligence from U.S. authorities revealed his intentions. Found in possession of knives, a wooden cosh, and indecent images of children, including one depicting the rape of a baby, Ewing’s actions have left the victim and her family devastated.
The ordeal began when Ewing contacted the victim, a 15-year-old from Caerphilly borough, through an online chat platform called Emerald. Posing as a “Christian” and “paedophile hunter,” he gained her trust before pressuring her to share her Snapchat details. Their communication escalated to video calls, during which Ewing manipulated the victim into keeping her camera on while she slept. He later confessed to masturbating while watching her sleep, leaving the victim disturbed and confused. Despite her initial resistance, Ewing’s relentless pestering coerced her into a toxic relationship.
Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett told Newport Crown Court that Ewing exerted complete control over the victim’s life—dictating what she wore, ate, and even how she slept. He demanded that she remain connected to a livestream so he could monitor her actions constantly. His behavior became increasingly abusive and manipulative; he would scream at her and guilt her into compliance by claiming he had “morals and principles.” The victim revealed that Ewing forced her to expose herself on camera under pressure and even attempted to involve sex toys in their interactions.
Ewing’s obsession deepened as he tattooed the victim’s initials on his chest and referred to their relationship as if they were married. He promised to travel to the UK once she turned 16, intending to marry her and start a family. When he arrived at Cardiff Airport last year after traveling via Amsterdam, authorities detained him with incriminating items in his possession, including wedding rings engraved with the victim’s initials.
The investigation uncovered a trove of evidence against Ewing. His devices contained Category A, B, and C indecent images of children—the most severe involving infants—and materials suggesting his predatory intentions. The screensaver on his phone was an image of the victim. Despite pleading guilty to multiple charges, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and possessing indecent images of children, Ewing maintained that he had permission from the victim’s mother to engage with her—a claim Judge Celia Hughes dismissed as delusional.
The court heard harrowing victim impact statements detailing how Ewing’s abuse caused severe mental health issues for both the girl and her family. The victim described feeling constantly monitored and controlled, leading to panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and lasting trauma that has affected her ability to trust others. Her mother recounted the distress of discovering the truth about Ewing’s identity and intentions, expressing fear for their safety even after his arrest.
Judge Hughes condemned Ewing’s actions as a gross abuse of trust and exploitation of a vulnerable teenager. She noted his refusal to accept responsibility for his crimes and highlighted the devastating impact on the victim’s life. “You sexually abused her and degraded her by requiring her to let you watch her sleep,” Judge Hughes said during sentencing. She added that it was fortunate authorities intercepted him before any physical harm could occur.
Ewing was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison for 13 offenses, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and possessing offensive weapons. He was also placed under indefinite sex offender notification requirements and given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order. Authorities indicated that deportation might follow his sentence.
Detective Superintendent Philip O’Connell praised the collaboration between U.S. authorities, UK Border Force, and Gwent Police in preventing further harm. He commended the victim’s courage throughout the investigation: “Ewing struck up a relationship with a 15-year-old girl online, grooming and exploiting her for over a year before traveling thousands of miles to meet her… His actions will have a profound impact.”
This case underscores the dangers of online grooming and highlights law enforcement’s role in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like Ewing.