Federal prosecutors in the District of Delaware announced that Barnett pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3 years in prison after being convicted of illegal firearms possession in Delaware.
According to court documents filed in United States v. Barnett (Case No. 1:05-cr-00044), law enforcement officers recovered a Glock 19 semiautomatic pistol from Barnett’s possession during an investigation in Delaware. A subsequent background check revealed that Barnett had previously been convicted of armed robbery, making it a federal crime for Barnett to possess any firearm or ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
The investigation began when local law enforcement received information that Barnett was in possession of firearms. Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) became involved after confirming Barnett’s status as a prohibited person under federal law. The agents conducted a thorough investigation that included surveillance, witness interviews, and the execution of search warrants.
During the search, investigators recovered a Glock 19 semiautomatic pistol along with ammunition. Ballistic analysis confirmed that the firearms were operable, and forensic examination linked the weapons to Barnett. The evidence was presented to a federal grand jury, which returned an indictment charging Barnett with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Edward Roberts imposed the sentence after considering the applicable sentencing guidelines, Barnett’s criminal history, and the circumstances of the offense. The court noted the serious public safety risk posed by convicted felons who illegally possess firearms and emphasized the need for a sentence that would protect the community.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, the court ordered restitution of $309,000 and 2 years of supervised release. As a condition of supervised release, Barnett is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition and must submit to regular searches by probation officers.
Assistant United States Attorney Maria Anderson prosecuted the case. “Keeping illegal guns out of the hands of convicted felons is essential to public safety,” Maria Anderson said. “This office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute individuals who illegally possess firearms.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) emphasized that the investigation and prosecution of firearms offenses by prohibited persons remains a top priority for federal law enforcement. Officials noted that the illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons contributes significantly to violent crime in communities across Delaware.
Under federal law, there is no parole in the federal system, and Barnett must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence imposed. This case was part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing effort to reduce gun violence through the aggressive prosecution of firearms offenses.
Related Federal Cases
- Episcopo, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Delaware 2004 · Delaware
- Saggese, Unlawful Sale of Firearms, Delaware 2004 · Delaware
- Robb, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Delaware 2006 · Delaware
- Santiago, Unlawful Sale of Firearms, Delaware 2007 · Delaware
- Sinclair, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Delaware 2008 · Delaware
