Judge Reschedules Sentencing in Sex Abuse Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt rescheduled the sentencing in a case involving the sexual assault of a minor.

Jerry Barton pleaded guilty on March 8 to one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

The sentencing was set to occur on Aug. 12 but couldn’t be completed as the court did not have results from a test to determine the defendant’s risk of committing another sexual offense.

“There are some issues that have come up that you just need to understand, so I don’t want to rush through that,” Judge Brandt said.

Barton, who has been on pretrial release since Sept. 30, 2019, appeared in plainclothes in court.

At a previous hearing, the parties met in court and Judge Brandt ordered that the Court Services and Supervision Agency (CSOSA) conduct the test. Defense Attorney Anthony Matthews said he conducted a test on behalf of the defense, but CSOSA did not perform one for the court.

During Friday’s hearing, Matthews was dismissed as a result of a miscommunication. Defense Attorney Thomas Healy is slated to assume the role of Barton’s attorney.

Judge Brandt set a status hearing on Aug. 24 in order for Barton and his new attorney to acquaint themselves with the case.

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