By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

HART — A jury found Jeffrey Scott Barrett, 42, of Gwinn, Mich., guilty Friday, June 5, of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and one count of first-degree child abuse following a four-day trial in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court.

Barrett

“Between the fall of 2010 and December 2011, Barrett repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim when she was 4 and 5 years of age, at his Oceana County residence,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a press release. “During the same time period, Barrett also abused the child in other ways, knowingly or intentionally causing severe mental harm.”

Barrett was originally charged by the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office in 2018, when the victim reported the abuse, but he evaded authorities until his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service in Marinette, Wisc. in January 2025. Barrett was later extradited to Oceana County in April 2025 under Operation Survivor Justice. The operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.

“Children should never have to worry about being abused by someone they trust,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I am incredibly grateful to Operation Survivor Justice for securing a conviction for this victim, who had to wait years for justice. It is because of this partnership that a dangerous offender is off the streets and being held accountable.” 

He is a fourth-offense habitual offender, according to court records.

Barrett is lodged in the Oceana County Jail on a $500,000 bond awaiting sentencing July 20 before Judge Susan K. Sniegowski.

A first-degree CSC conviction is punishable by up to life in prison.

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