Clinton Township Man Sentenced for Impersonating First Responders at Multiple Crime Scenes

Jason Barnes, a 48-year-old man from Clinton Township, Michigan, was sentenced to two years of probation with stringent conditions after pleading no contest to multiple charges of impersonating first responders at various active crime scenes. His offenses included impersonating firefighters or emergency medical personnel, possession of firearms and ammunition as a prohibited person, and unlawful use of fire emblems. The investigation began in October 2023 when Barnes appeared at a homicide scene, offering assistance while falsely representing himself as a first responder. The court emphasized accountability and mandated mental health treatment, including psychiatric evaluation, counseling, and participation in a cognitive restructuring program, to reduce the risk of future harm. Barnes is also prohibited from possessing any uniforms, badges, or identification associated with police, fire, military, or government agencies, and must abstain from drugs and alcohol without prescription. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido highlighted that the sentence sends a clear message that impersonating emergency personnel will not be tolerated.