Maine Man Admits to Sending Racist Death Threats to Black Family in Apartment Complex, Office of Public Affairs Reports

Charles Allen Barnes, a man from Maine, pleaded guilty to one count of threatening communications in interstate commerce for sending racist death threats to a Black family living in his apartment complex. In August 2022, Barnes used Facebook Messenger to send a voice message in which he threatened to kill his neighbor in graphic and violent terms. The message contained racial slurs and derogatory references to the neighbor’s race, along with a statement that he was waiting in his car outside the neighbor’s apartment to kill the next person who emerged.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized that racially-motivated death threats and acts of violence are not acceptable in society. Barnes’s behavior was condemned, and it was stated that the Justice Department would thoroughly investigate and vigorously prosecute anyone who carries out threats or acts of bias-motivated violence. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine expressed that hate in any form would not be tolerated in Maine and that justice would be diligently pursued for victims of racial harassment, threats, and violence.

Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Division highlighted that Barnes admitted to using his words as a weapon to make violent and racist threats against his neighbor. The FBI would work with partners to bring to justice anyone who commits such crimes. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date, where Barnes faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Any sentence would be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

If it is determined that Barnes intentionally selected his victim because of their race, a sentencing enhancement will be applied. The FBI Boston Field Office, Lewiston Police Department, and the Maine Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheila Sawyer for the District of Maine, are prosecuting the case. It was made clear that threats to life are not protected speech, and law enforcement agencies would work diligently to combat such behavior and protect the civil rights of all individuals.

Overall, Barnes’s actions were condemned as being motivated by hate, and it was emphasized that hate of any kind would not be tolerated. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies would continue to work towards justice for victims of racial harassment, threats, and violence. The case highlighted the importance of protecting civil rights and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions, especially when they involve threats or acts of bias-motivated violence. Barnes faces severe consequences for his actions, including a potential prison sentence, as the justice system works to address and combat such behavior in society.