Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that a 48-year-old Clinton Township man pled no contest to multiple counts of impersonating a firefighter and/or emergency medical personnel, and weapons/ammunition charges.
On October 19, 2023, a Clinton Township police officer was at a residence where a homicide occurred. Jason Edward Barnes allegedly represented himself as a first responder and offered assistance to the police officer. That event led to further investigation into Barnes. It is alleged that on other occasions Barnes would impersonate Firefighter/EMS personnel at active crime scenes.
After investigation, Barnes was charged in three (3) separate cases resulting in following cumulative charges:
• Three Counts of Impersonating a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Service, a two-year felony.
• One Count of Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person, a five-year felony.
• One Count of Ammunition Possession by a Prohibited Person, a five-year felony.
• One Count of Unlawful Use of a Fire Emblem, a 93-day misdemeanor.
• Habitual Offender – Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.
On Friday, June 27, Barnes pled no contest as charged to all counts with a Habitual Second Offense Notice at Macomb County Circuit Court before Judge James M. Maceroni. The people were represented by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dale Vande Vrede. Barnes will be sentenced by Judge Maceroni on Tuesday, August 19, at 9 a.m.
"Impersonating a first responder, whether it be law enforcement, fire, or EMS, is a serious offense that undermines public trust and puts our community at risk. These roles carry tremendous responsibility and authority. Abusing that trust for personal gain or deception cannot be tolerated. This plea brings accountability, and we remain committed to protecting the citizens of Macomb County," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
On October 19, 2023, a Clinton Township police officer was at a residence where a homicide occurred. Jason Edward Barnes allegedly represented himself as a first responder and offered assistance to the police officer. That event led to further investigation into Barnes. It is alleged that on other occasions Barnes would impersonate Firefighter/EMS personnel at active crime scenes.
After investigation, Barnes was charged in three (3) separate cases resulting in following cumulative charges:
• Three Counts of Impersonating a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Service, a two-year felony.
• One Count of Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person, a five-year felony.
• One Count of Ammunition Possession by a Prohibited Person, a five-year felony.
• One Count of Unlawful Use of a Fire Emblem, a 93-day misdemeanor.
• Habitual Offender – Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.
On Friday, June 27, Barnes pled no contest as charged to all counts with a Habitual Second Offense Notice at Macomb County Circuit Court before Judge James M. Maceroni. The people were represented by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dale Vande Vrede. Barnes will be sentenced by Judge Maceroni on Tuesday, August 19, at 9 a.m.
"Impersonating a first responder, whether it be law enforcement, fire, or EMS, is a serious offense that undermines public trust and puts our community at risk. These roles carry tremendous responsibility and authority. Abusing that trust for personal gain or deception cannot be tolerated. This plea brings accountability, and we remain committed to protecting the citizens of Macomb County," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
