Tyler Barney appeared before Seventh District Court Judge George Harmond Monday afternoon to be sentenced in a case of child abuse from November 2012.
Barney was arrested in 2012 and charged with two counts of sexual abuse of a child, a first degree felony. The charges were related to an incident involving Barney’s roommates, Timothy and Amanda Romano, both of whom sexually abused as many as six children within their household over the span of two years. Barney was charged with participating in the abuse but has always denied the charges.
On Monday, Barney received sentencing on two class A misdemeanor sexual battery charges, which arose from a plea deal accepted by the defendant earlier last year. A psychosexual evaluation of Barney was completed to assist in the determination of a sentence.
“I don’t know what involvement you had,” stated Judge Harmond. “I have struggled with how to exactly handle this.”
The judge sentenced Barney to 24 months of probation, a $925 fine and $1,200 restitution for the evaluation. In addition to probation, he will also be required to complete a form of treatment that will be determined by his probation officer.
Barney is currently employed and determined to maintain his job.
“I will do anything in my power for the court,” he said. “I really enjoy working and bettering my life.”