Conway Man Sentenced to Ten Years for 2021 Home Invasion

Man Found Guilty of Second-Degree Burglary

On Tuesday, a man from Conway, South Carolina, was convicted by an Horry County jury for a home invasion that took place in 2021. Willie Lavon Barnes, 50, was found guilty of second-degree burglary, a felony charge in South Carolina. The incident took place in August 2021 when Barnes unlawfully entered a residence by throwing a flower pot through a glass door.

Barnes Nabbed Hiding in Laundry Room

Barnes’ flea attempt swiftly came to an end when responding authorities discovered him hiding in a laundry room attached to the residence. As reported by Horry County Police, Barnes made a failed attempt to evade capture after breaking and entering the property.

Significant Sentence for Home Invasion

The jury bestowed a significant sentence onto Barnes with a ten-year prison term. He is mandated to serve at least six years of the given sentence behind bars. After completing his prison term, Barnes will be placed on supervised probation for the remaining time.

Second-degree burglary in South Carolina carries a sentence of up to 15 years for a first-time offense. A second offense can carry a sentence of up to 20 years. As part of the South Carolina burglary laws, burglary in the second degree is classified as a violent crime, whether or not the actual violence was involved.

Consequences for the Involved

Unfortunately, burglaries not only affect those directly involved, but they can also have lasting psychological impacts on the victims of the crime. Home invasions in particular can leave a lasting trauma on the invaded homeowners, making them feel unsafe in their own homes.

Crime in Conway, South Carolina

The city of Conway is no stranger to crimes of this nature. Recent years have seen a surge in crimes in Conway, which comprises a significant proportion of Horry County’s overall crime rate. Despite efforts to bring down the number of such incidents, unlawful entries into residences have seen no significant decrease.

Local police forces and citizens alike hope Barnes’ sentencing might deter potential criminals. However, such a conviction is merely a single victory in the ongoing fight against crime in Conway and the state of South Carolina.

The Fight to Keep Conway Safe

Authorities reassure the public about their continued efforts to quell crime rates and increase safety. Law enforcement agencies emphasize the need for diligent measures and encourage the community to actively participate in ensuring their own safety and vigilance to report any suspicious activities promptly.

In the wake of this incident, citizens are strongly urged to secure their homes and property, and maintain open communication with local law enforcement networks.

The story of Barnes’ conviction indeed serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing fight against crime that law enforcement personnel fiercely undertake on a daily basis, striving to keep the Conway citizens safe.

Source: HERE News Network