Parkersburg man pleads guilty to drug charge
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MARIETTA -- A Parkersburg man will be released before Christmas after pleading guilty Wednesday morning to possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony.
Kenton Barker, 23, of 615 17th St., virtually appeared before Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge John Halliday to be sentenced to 30 days in jail with a credit for 24 days served. He also received two years community control.
Barker was arrested on June 10, 2019, after a traffic stop in Belpre found him allegedly driving a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu without the consent of the owner.
He was indicted in March on one count of possession of 1.5849 grams of methamphetamine and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Barker pleaded guilty Wednesday to the possession count while the other was dismissed.
Washington County Assistant Prosecutor Jim Schneider said on June 10, Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Dustin Payne was on duty in a marked cruiser on Clement Avenue near U.S. 50. When he took down the license number of the Malibu, which was driven by Barker, he found the car was registered in West Virginia to a Chrysler Pacifica.
The trooper activated his lights and initiated a traffic stop. When the car was searched, Barker had suspected drugs in his possession, Schneider said. It was later confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Schneider questioned the written plea agreement as Barker circled yes to having mental or physical health issues, as he was concerned it would impact the plea.
Barker said he is bi-polar, but it didn't prevent him from understanding what was being discussed.
Halliday said when Barker is out of jail, he will need to speak with his probation officer about a travel pass. Barker lives in West Virginia.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.