Defendant Sentenced Under Youth Act for Gun and Drug Charges

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 28, 2020
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for a drug offense and a gun offense under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Anthony Barnes pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in exchange for the prosecution dropping his charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm. In another case, he pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in exchange for the prosecution dropping his felony contempt charge.

“I know it wont be easy, but I’m committed to becoming a better person,” the 20 year-old told the judge.

The prosecution also agreed to dismiss a third case, in which he was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

“He’s so young,” the prosecutor said. “This could be a turning point.”

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Barnes to 12 months in prison, all of which was suspended besides the time he has already served by now, plus one year of supervised probation for the drug charge.

She also sentenced him to 12 months with all but six suspended, plus one year of supervised probation for the pistol charge. He will receive credit for time served.

Parties spoke about how Barnes used the time he has spent at DC Jail for self reflection during the Oct. 28 hearing.

Defense attorney Thomas Lester said his client “turned to his community for a sense of identity and belonging, which sometimes is a good thing and sometimes is a bad thing.”

Since Barnes was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.

The prosecutor supported the defense’s request for the YRA. She pointed out Barnes is an intelligent individual with a history of advanced placement classes and family support.

“It’s frustrating when young, smart people make bad decisions,” the prosecutor said.

Barnes’ sentences will run consecutively, but his probation will run concurrently.

Conditions of the probation include alcohol and drug testing and any other treatment if recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA,) a mentoring or young adult program, seeking employment, participating in a job skills training program if he is not employed and 90 hours of community service.

Barnes must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund for each of the charges.

This article was written by Andrea Keckley