Dixon man gets 10 years for rape

James Stanley Barnes, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Jan. 27 for the rape of two 15-year-old girls while he was employed as a youth supervisor at Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch near St. Ignatius.

Barnes, of Dixon, was given an additional 10 years suspended sentence by District Judge C.B. McNeil. Pinehaven fired Barnes after an investigation began in May, 2004.

Lake County Deputy Attorney Mitch Young sought a longer term for Barnes because he took advantage of his position as an authority figure to entice the teenagers to have sex. But the presentence investigation recommended a lighter term and the two 10-year sentences for Barnes are to run concurrently. A psychologist's evaluation said Barnes was unlikely to reoffend.

According to court documents, Barnes put his hand under the shirt of one girl and attempted to have intercourse with her, but she resisted. The defendant sexually assaulted her with his finger instead. Another victim said he put his hand under her shirt, and had sexual intercourse with her in the storage room of the school.

While the maximum sentence for rape is life in prison, Barnes could be out in three years if he completes Phase 1 of the sexual offender treatment program. He could then be considered for parole, and Phases 2 and 3 must be completed before he is released from the Montana State Prison system.

Barnes must also pay all medical bills and counseling expenses for the victims. He has 35 rules of probation written into his sentence, and if he violates only one, it would be grounds for a revoking his parole.

The legal age of consent for sex is 16 in Montana. Two felony sexual assault charges were dropped as part of the plea bargain.

The defendant had originally described his relationships as consensual, but afterward realized he was in a position of authority that affected his judgment.

Barnes is married and has a two-year-old daughter.