Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Threatening Black Neighbors

Charles Allen Barnes, 47, of Lewiston, Maine, received a 30-month prison sentence for threatening Black neighbors in his apartment complex.Photo byTim PhotoguyonUnsplash

Charles Allen Barnes, 47, who is from Lewiston, Maine, and previously pleaded guilty to one count of threatening communications in interstate commerce, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for threatening a Black family in his apartment complex, it was announced today by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Barnes admitted to sending a Facebook voice message in which he stated he was outside a neighbor’s residence and would kill anyone who emerged. In the message, Barnes repeatedly used racial slurs to refer to the victims.

“Violent and racially motivated threats have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.

“This defendant, a self-described racist skinhead, used social media to terrorize his innocent neighbors because they are Black. This sentence cannot undo the fear and trauma his hateful actions caused but should make clear that online threats come with real-world penalties."

According to evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Barnes harbored longstanding racist views, espoused white supremacist rhetoric online, and had described himself to an acquaintance as a racist skinhead.

After hearing this and other evidence, the court enhanced the sentence based on its finding that Barnes intentionally selected his victims because of their race.

The court also heard that, several hours after Barnes sent the threatening message, police officers found him sitting outside his apartment in the same complex, armed with a large knife.

Based on this evidence, the court imposed an additional sentencing enhancement.

“Charles Barnes’ abhorrent behavior and racist threats put his neighbors through a horrific experience,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Division.

“People of all races and faiths deserve to feel safe in their communities. It is our hope that today’s sentence helps the victims in this case heal, while making it clear to others that violence, especially borne from hate, will not be tolerated.”