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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
Barrett
HART — A 43-year-old Ginn, Mich. man was sentenced to two consecutive 50-75 year prison terms; two concurrent 50-75 year prison terms; and one consecutive 20-50 year prison term for four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and one count of first-degree child abuse in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, July 20, according to court records.
A jury found Jeffrey Scott Barrett guilty, June 5, of all counts following a four-day trial. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, who handed down the stiff sentence, also ordered $4,490 in restitution, fines and costs. He was prosecuted as a four-time habitual offender.
“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.”
“This significant sentence is a testament to the life-changing impact of Operation Survivor Justice,” said Attorney General Nessel. “It delivered the justice this young victim has deserved for more than 15 years, bringing her and her family the healing, closure, and peace that was stolen from them for far too long. This outcome only reinforces our commitment to working with our partners to apprehend fugitives and hold them accountable for their heinous crimes.”
The victim in this matter provided a victim impact statement to the court that read in part, “For the first time in 15 years, I feel like that little girl who was once scared and confused can finally breathe. The verdict didn’t erase what happened or give me back the childhood that was taken from me, but it gave me something I had been searching for so long — it gave me validation. It reminded me that my voice matters, that the truth matters, and that what happened to me was real. Today, I carry hope, strength, and peace, knowing that I stood up not only for myself, but for the little girl who couldn’t. I am no longer the scared little girl who didn’t understand what was happening to her. I am a woman who found her voice, chose courage over silence, and refused to give up. This isn’t the end of my story — it is the beginning of my healing.”
“From the perspective of the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office, we are grateful for the successful outcome for this victim and the diligent efforts of the Michigan Attorney General’s Office,” said Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon. “This matter was first charged by myself in October of 2018. The defendant left the area. With new cases developing every day, it is not always possible for local law enforcement agencies to track a single individual all over the country, even in neighboring states. When the Michigan Attorney General and US Marshal Service approached us about being involved in Operation Survivor justice, there were questions.
“Trying a case 8+ years later presents certain challenges However, this has been a blessing and allowed the Michigan Attorney General to bring in resources that helped bring this case to a successful conclusion for this victim. We thank the AG and Marshal Service for their partnership and leadership in this important endeavor.”
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