Schuyler Barbeau Changes Plea To Guilty
by Shari Dovale and Jenn Cannon
The trial for Schuyler Barbeau ended abruptly today when the defendant changed his pleas to guilty.
A small group of supporters were in the courtroom watching Barbeau as he became emotional when his best friend – turned Confidential Informant, Oliver Murphy, testified on the witness stand. With Murphy’s assistance, Barbeau was arrested on November 22, 2015 and has been incarcerated since.
It was stated in open court that Murphy received $13,500 for his participation in the sting that resulted in the arrest of Barbeau on Federal firearms charges.
The prosecutions case was nearing the end at the morning break for court. It was an unusually long break, then when court reconvened without the jury, it was unexpectedly announced that Barbeau intended to change his plea on both charges to Guilty.
Judge Robert Jones instructed the Stand By attorney for Barbeau, Robert Gombiner, to fully instruct the defendant in what it would mean to change his plea. When court resumed for the afternoon session, the change of plea was entered into the record.
Barbeau became emotional when he addressed the court, saying, “I realize that I have done things the statutes prohibit.”
Barbeau plead guilty to two counts, including possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a machine gun. Each count can carry up to a maximum of 10 years in Prison plus hefty fines.
Additionally, there is a forfeiture clause that Barbeau agreed to, with the exception of a “scope” that he would like the court to return to him. Future hearings on these items will be scheduled at a later date.
It is now up to the court, after reading recommendations to be submitted by the government, the defense, and the probation department to determine what punishment Barbeau will receive.
Judge Jones made a statement concerning the sentencing guidelines, saying they are only advisory for him and are not mandatory. He stated that these guidelines used to be mandatory, but now he need only refer to them but he is not bound by them.
Several issues will be considered before sentencing on September 1, 2017.