PA Man Pleads Guilty to Impersonating Erie Police, Luring Children

Jacob Clark faces sentencing after admitting to felony weapons possession and misdemeanor charges related to luring children into his car.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 36-year-old Pennsylvania man named Jacob Clark has pleaded guilty to felony possession of a weapon, along with misdemeanor charges of luring a child into a motor vehicle and impersonating a public servant. Clark was accused of luring three children into his car at a park in Erie, Pennsylvania while falsely claiming to be an Erie police officer and offering them marijuana.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious threat posed by individuals who impersonate law enforcement to gain the trust of vulnerable children. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger background checks and monitoring of individuals with a history of weapons possession and potential sexual predatory behavior.

The details

According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, on September 30, Clark lured three children to get into his car at Frontier Park in Erie under the false pretense of being an Erie police officer and offering them marijuana. He then drove the children to a second location before one child felt unsafe and texted their mother, leading to Clark's arrest.

  • On September 30, Clark allegedly lured the children into his car at Frontier Park.
  • On January 22, Clark pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • In April, Clark will be sentenced after undergoing an evaluation to determine if he is a sexually violent predator.

The players

Jacob Clark

A 36-year-old man from Mercer, Pennsylvania who pleaded guilty to felony weapons possession and misdemeanor charges related to luring children.

Shane Kaliszewski

The Assistant District Attorney in Erie County who handled the case against Clark.

Erie Police Department

The law enforcement agency that Clark allegedly impersonated in order to lure the children into his car.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the serious threat posed by individuals who impersonate law enforcement to gain the trust of vulnerable children.”

— Shane Kaliszewski, Assistant District Attorney (yourerie.com)

What’s next

In April, Clark will be sentenced after undergoing an evaluation to determine if he is a sexually violent predator.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger background checks and monitoring of individuals with a history of weapons possession and potential sexual predatory behavior, in order to protect vulnerable children from such predatory actions.