Maine Man Sentenced to Jail for Threatening Black Family
Charles Barnes, a 57-year-old man from Maine, has been sentenced to 30 months in jail and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to threatening a Black family in his apartment complex. Barnes was arrested in Lewiston, Maine, in August 2022, for sending threatening voice messages containing racial slurs and violent threats to his neighbors. Court documents revealed that Barnes had a history of using white supremacist terms online and identified as a “racist skinhead” to an acquaintance.
As a result of the racial motivation behind the threats, federal prosecutors enhanced Barnes’ sentence. In addition to jail time, Barnes is prohibited from purchasing a gun or contacting the victims, and he must undergo mental health treatment while on supervised release. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee for the District of Maine emphasized that hate of any kind will not be tolerated in Maine, and justice will be pursued for victims of racial harassment, threats, and violence.
The incident left the Black family in fear, as Barnes was found outside their home with a large knife after sending the threatening messages. The court’s decision to impose a significant prison sentence aims to hold Barnes accountable for his actions and send a message that such hateful behavior will not be condoned. Barnes’ legal representation did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the sentencing.
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