Resolution possible in case against former Trigg Co. Sheriff

A resolution may be possible in the case against former Trigg County Sheriff Jason Barnes, and his lawyer requested a continuance in Trigg Circuit Court Wednesday.

Barnes appeared virtually alongside attorney David Rye and special prosecutor Assistant Attorney General Alexander Garcia—Rye informed the court that they have received a resolution proposal, he just needs more time to go over it with Barnes.

Judge C.A. Woody Woodall granted the request, giving them until January 13 to discuss the proposal and decide if they will accept or set a trial date at that time. Barnes is charged with tampering with a witness and unlawful transaction with a minor.

As previously reported, an investigation conducted jointly by the Kentucky State Police, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky found that in February of 2020 Jason Barnes provided alcohol to a person under the age of 21. They also allegedly discovered that several months later, during the investigation, he knowingly practiced deceit with the intent to affect the testimony of a potential witness.

Barnes resigned from the Trigg County Sheriff’s Office at the end of August.