Traffic offense leads to felony firearm charge against Richmond man
RICHMOND, Ind. — A Richmond man at first accused of committing a misdemeanor traffic offense also faces a felony gun-related charge after police found a loaded handgun in his vehicle.
Timothy A. Barnett, 35, is charged in Wayne Superior Court 1 with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison.
On May 15, a Richmond police officer reported he twice saw Barnett — once riding a bicycle, and then driving a Cadillac — in the area of Greenwood Apartments, 1460 S. 16th St.
In an affidavit, the officer indicated he was aware Barnett did not have a valid driver's license, resulting in a traffic stop.
According to the court document, a loaded 9mm handgun was found in the car, and Barnett was determined to be carrying ammunition, along with two sets of brass knuckles.
Because of Barnett's criminal record — which includes convictions for burglary, escape, resisting law enforcement and criminal mischief — he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Richmond man — also charged with driving without ever receiving a license, a misdemeanor — was released from the Wayne County Jail after posting a bond of $17,500.
An initial hearing in his case is set for June 4.
In other court news:
Sentencing: A Richmond resident convicted of possession of meth has been sentenced to four years in prison.
As part of a plea agreement filed in Wayne Superior Court 1, other charges pending against 51-year-old Jamie S. Blanton — including possession of cocaine, possession of a narcotic drug, resisting law enforcement, driving while suspended and possession of paraphernalia — were dismissed.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Richmond man faces felon-in-possession-of-firearm charge
