Self-described ‘skinhead’ in Maine gets prison time for threatening Black family

A Maine man was sentenced after pleading guilty to threatening a Black family who lived in his apartment complex, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Law enforcement arrested Charles Barnes in Lewiston, Maine, in August of 2022, court documents show. He pleaded guilty to one count of sending threats in March of 2023.

Court documents said Barnes, 57, sent a threatening voice message to his Black neighbors containing racial slurs and a graphic depiction of how Barnes planned to harm the victims. In the message, Barnes told his neighbors he was outside their home and would kill anyone who left the building. Police officers who responded to the situation found Barnes sitting outside the home with a large knife, court documents said. 

“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,” U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee for the District of Maine said in a statement. “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.”

Evidence used in court showed Barnes had a history of using white supremacist terms and rhetoric online. Court documents said he described himself as a “racist skinhead” to an acquaintance. The statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office said the court “enhanced” Barnes’ sentence due to the racial motivation behind the threats.

Federal prosecutors sentenced Barnes to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. While he is on release, court documents stipulate Barnes cannot purchase a gun or contact any of his victims. His internet access and communications will be monitored and he must receive mental health treatment, court documents said.

Legal representation for Barnes did not immediately respond to a request for comment.