Benjamin Barker pleads guilty to attempted harassment of public servant in Jefferson County

In a recent court session held on July 16, 2025, Judge Raquel West presided over the case of Benjamin Barker, who faced charges of attempted harassment of a public servant. The proceedings focused on Barker's competency to stand trial and the acceptance of a plea agreement.

During the hearing, it was confirmed that Barker had previously been assessed for competency and was found not competent to stand trial. However, after undergoing restoration at the John Dunn Behavioral Science Center, he was deemed competent as of April 1, 2025. Both the defense and the prosecution agreed that there were no further issues regarding his competency.

Barker ultimately pled guilty to the lesser included offense of attempted harassment of a public servant. The judge ensured that Barker understood the implications of his plea, including the waiver of his right to appeal and the potential consequences regarding his immigration status if he were not a U.S. citizen.

As part of the plea agreement, Barker was sentenced to 180 days in the Jefferson County Jail, with credit for time already served. The court also issued a written admonishment regarding his ineligibility to possess firearms or ammunition due to the felony conviction.

This case highlights the judicial process surrounding competency evaluations and plea agreements, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in court proceedings. The next steps for Barker will involve serving his sentence and adhering to the legal restrictions placed upon him following his conviction.