CLINTON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) A Clinton Township man was sentenced to extensive mental health counseling after pleading no contest to multiple counts of impersonating first responders.
Macomb County prosecutors said the investigation against Jason Barnes, 48, began after he allegedly posed as a first responder to an officer on the scene of an October 2023 homicide in Clinton Township-- where he offered to help the officer.
Further investigation revealed he had impersonated firefighters or paramedics at multiple active crime scenes in Metro Detroit, according to prosecutors.
A Macomb County Circuit Judge sentenced him on three separate criminal files. He pled guilty to the follow charges:
-Impersonating a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Service Personnel, a two-year felony (On all three files)
-Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person, a five-year felony (On one file)
- Ammunition Possession by a Prohibited Person, a five-year felony (One file)
-Unlawful Use of a Fire Emblem, a 93-day misdemeanor (Two files)
Two files also had a Habitual Offender – Second Offense Notice, which is an aggravating sentencing factor.
His sentence focuses on mental health treatment. It includes 24 months of Zero Tolerance Probation where he must undergo a psychiatric evaluation and comply with recommended treatments, enroll in counseling, and participate in the Cognitive Restructuring Program. He is also forbidden to have alcohol, or drugs without a valid prescription. He may not possess any uniforms or badges associated with police, fire, military or government agencies.
No further information was released regarding the other crime scenes where he allegedly posed a first responder. His motive also remains unclear.