By Editorial Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a significant development, Khalil Keari Barnett, 29, who found himself in the legal spotlight last August in Gainesville, now faces federal indictments. The charges leveled against him include possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm and ammunition that impact interstate commerce.
The incident that led to Barnett’s arrest unfolded on August 7 when Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched following a domestic battery call. Although Barnett was absent when they arrived, he was later located by the deputies. Upon sighting law enforcement, Barnett reportedly attempted to flee, discarding a firearm and a substantial quantity of marijuana in the process.
Subsequent to his arrest, authorities allegedly discovered approximately 16.4 grams of marijuana and a box containing 13 bullets on his person. Along the trail of his escape, deputies reportedly found a Glock 42 loaded with six rounds and a shopping bag packed with over a pound of marijuana.
After being read his Miranda rights, Barnett reportedly explained that he and the alleged victim were involved in a verbal altercation that did not escalate to physical violence. He later mentioned that he “acted off reflex” to distance the victim from himself. Barnett confessed to fleeing the scene to avoid a domestic charge and admitted to running from deputies as he anticipated jail time. He also reportedly claimed ownership of the discarded marijuana, insisting it was intended for personal consumption due to his frequent use.
Initially, Barnett faced several charges, including possession of marijuana with intent to sell near a school or childcare facility, multiple counts of possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a felony, tampering with evidence, and battery with a prior conviction, alongside resisting an officer without violence. His criminal record includes juvenile convictions from 2008 to 2014, one adult felony conviction (non-violent), and four adult misdemeanor convictions (one violent). Barnett has previously served a state prison sentence, from which he was released in 2021. Currently, he remains in custody at the Alachua County Jail with bail set at $256,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.
Formal state charges have been filed for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, domestic battery with a prior conviction, and resisting an officer without violence. He is currently scheduled to change his plea on November 18.
Meanwhile, he was indicted in federal court on November 4 on three charges: possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting interstate commerce; the third count states that he possessed a pistol and ammunition, and “[t]his firearm and ammunition had previously been transported in interstate commerce.” A federal judge has ordered him held without bail until trial.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
