FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
June 21, 2024
Clinton Township Man Arraigned for Impersonating Fire Personnel at Crime Scenes
Mount Clemens, MI - A 47-year-old Clinton Township man was arraigned in connection with impersonating fire personnel on two different occasions.
It is alleged that Sunday, May 5, 2024, Jason Edward Barnes came to the scene of a homicide with a badge and introduced himself as a Fire Captain where he tried to gain entry into the home where a death investigation was being conducted. It is also alleged that on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Jason Edward Barnes came to a fire investigation outfitted in firefighter gear with a badge and spoke with officers at the scene.
Barnes has been charged with Impersonating Firefighter/Emergency Medical Service Personnel, a two year felony, and Unlawful Use of Fire Emblems/Logos, a 93-day misdemeanor for the Sunday, May 25, 2024 incident. Barnes has been charged with Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person, a five year felony, Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, a five year felony, and Impersonating Firefighter/Emergency Medical Service Personnel, a two year felony for the Tuesday, May 28, 2024 incident. He is also being charged as a habitual fourth offender. The investigation into Barnes is ongoing and more charges may be possible.
Jason Edward Barnes was arraigned in 41B Clinton Township District Court where Magistrate Zemke set bond at $250,000 cash/surety only. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 1:00pm by District Court Judge Carrie Fuca.
“We take the act of impersonating emergency personnel very seriously, as it undermines the trust and safety of our community. These actions not only disrupt investigations, but could contaminate crime scenes and pose a risk to public safety," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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