!["You are a social predator. You are a sexual predator of the worst kind. How is a 14-year-old [redacted] supposed to handle this situation?" the judge said.](https://media.wgrz.com/assets/WGRZ/images/c2b7cbfe-a865-40f1-84d1-12d1277ccc95/c2b7cbfe-a865-40f1-84d1-12d1277ccc95_1920x1080.jpg)
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Justin Barker was a respected and well-known barber in Buffalo but his notoriety shifted in July of 2023 when he was indicted on several counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Seven months later and three months after taking a plea deal, Barker was sentenced to six months behind bars, 10 years probation in Erie County Supreme Court, and was ordered to stay away from his victim during that time.
Judge Sheila DiTullio didn't shy away from addressing the pain Barker caused not just to his victim but their family as well.
2 On Your Side does not identify victims of underage sexual abuse or their families as a matter of privacy.
"You are a social predator. You are a sexual predator of the worst kind. How is a 14-year-old [redacted] supposed to handle this situation?" Judge DiTullio said.
Barker's victim and family offered damning remarks of betrayed trust and heartbreak ahead of his sentencing.
They painted Barker, who was in his early 30s at the time, as someone who groomed and forced a 14-year-old into a sexual relationship that continued for several years.
"This process has been so damaging to both the victim and [redacted] entire family and they have been looking forward to today for a very long time," said Rebecca Fiorvanti, the Assistant District Attorney handling the case.
Barker's victim said he fooled the entire City of Buffalo, which Judge DiTullio said she agreed with; a ruse that would have continued if not for a victim coming forward.
Judge DiTullio discussed new details of manipulation and retaliation by Barker after someone came forward. She said those details were laid out in pre-sentencing documents and letters sent to the court, in which the judge noted Barker did not apologize to his victim.
He did apologize in court on Thursday.
"I am sorry and I do love you [redacted]. I am completely apologetic for everything that I've contributed to this mess of an issue," Barker said.
He added: "It was never my intention for any of this to happen. I put myself in a situation I should have never been in."
Judge DiTullio noted Barker's remorse in court, as well as 24 letters written by people who spoke favorably of Barker. However, she stated if those individuals knew Barker's true self, they might think differently.
Barker's attorney James McCleod noted that these types of cases are hard on all parties involved, including himself, a father of two twin daughters. He made one final plea for his client.
"Mr. Barker in this particular case judge has accepted his responsibility and I think that, uh, that is worthy of something," he said.
"It's my hope and belief in this particular case that something good will come out of this even though on this dark day it's awfully hard to believe that," McCleod added.
Not convinced by Barker's apology or any other factor, Judge DiTullio handed down the maximum sentence allowed under the plea deal, which she said she agreed to only to save the victim from living the trauma if the case were to go to trial.
"I think this plea with a sentencing commitment renders justice for all," she said.
Barker had pleaded guilty to two counts of a criminal sexual act in the second degree back in November and will also have to register as a Level 2 sex offender.