Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Exploiting Ohio Teen He Met Online

Harrison Michael Barton faces 20-30 years in prison for traveling to Ohio to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl he met playing Call of Duty.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 38-year-old Texas man named Harrison Michael Barton has pleaded guilty to a slew of exploitation charges after traveling from Texas to Ohio to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl he met while playing the video game Call of Duty: Mobile. Barton was arrested at an airport in Ohio as he attempted to board a flight to Florida with the victim.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of online predators targeting minors through popular video games and social media platforms. It also underscores the importance of parental monitoring and education around online safety for children and teens.

The details

According to court documents, Barton pleaded guilty to charges including travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted kidnapping of a minor, and possession of child sexual abuse content. Barton admitted to having sex with the 15-year-old victim and taking explicit photos of her before attempting to flee with her to Florida.

  • In February 2025, Barton was arrested at John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio as he attempted to board a flight to Florida with the victim.
  • On February 5, 2026, Barton pleaded guilty to the exploitation charges as part of a plea deal.

The players

Harrison Michael Barton

A 38-year-old Texas man and repeat sex offender who pleaded guilty to exploiting a 15-year-old Ohio girl he met while playing Call of Duty: Mobile.

United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Ohio

The federal prosecutors who announced Barton's guilty plea and are overseeing the case.

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What they’re saying

“After extensive investigation, we feel that Hailey is deceased.”

— Scott Fadness, Fishers Mayor (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

Barton is scheduled to be sentenced for his crimes, which could result in 20 to 30 years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers children and teens face when interacting with strangers online, even through seemingly innocuous platforms like video games. It underscores the critical need for parental vigilance and education around online safety to protect vulnerable young people.