A Lewiston, Maine, man was sentenced Wednesday to 30 months in federal prison for threatening a Black family who lived in his apartment complex, according to authorities.
Charles Allen Barnes, 47, previously pleaded guilty to one count of threatening communications in interstate commerce.
In connection with his plea, Barnes admitted to sending a Facebook voice message in which he stated that 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.
At the sentencing hearing, evidence revealed that Barnes had long held racist beliefs, frequently promoted white supremacist rhetoric online, and even referred to himself as a racist skinhead to an acquaintance.
After considering this and other testimony, the court ruled that Barnes had deliberately chosen his victims based on their race, leading to an enhanced sentence.
Additionally, police discovered Barnes with a large knife outside his apartment in the same complex just hours after sending the threatening message.
This further evidence prompted the court to apply another sentencing enhancement.
“Violent and racially motivated threats have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’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. The Justice Department is steadfast in enforcing our federal civil rights laws to ensure all communities, including communities of color, are protected from hate-fueled threats of violence.”
“The hate-fueled threat and his subsequent possession of a weapon nearby instilled fear in this family in the one place we all should feel safest,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine. “Hate of any kind will not be tolerated in Maine, and we will continue to pursue justice for victims of racial harassment, threats, and violence.”
“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.”
The FBI Boston Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheila Sawyer for the District of Maine and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.