Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failing to Update Registration

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Convicted sex offender Christopher Barker, 27, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to moving across state lines without updating his sex offender registration status.

Barker, also known as Christopher D. Cooper, was previously convicted in Ohio County, West Virginia of “First Degree Sexual Assault Involving a Minor.” As a result of that conviction, Barker is required to register as a sex offender. In late 2015, Barker moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Follansbee, West Virginia without updating his sex offender registration status.

Barker faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Police Department investigated.

Barker is currently free on bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided over the case.

U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the case, stating that they played a crucial role in bringing Barker to justice.