Jeffrey Scott Barrett, 43, of Gwinn, was convicted by an Oceana County jury on Friday of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of first-degree child abuse. (Photo courtesy of the Oceana County Sheriff's Office)

OCEANA COUNTY – An Oceana County jury on Friday found a Gwinn man guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse stemming from the assault of a young girl in the early 2010s.

After a four-day jury trial, Jeffrey Scott Barrett, 43, of Gwinn, was convicted of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of first-degree child abuse.

According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, between the fall of 2010 and December 2011, Barrett repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim when she was 4 and 5 years old at his Oceana County residence.

During the same time period, Barrett reportedly abused the child in other ways, knowingly or intentionally causing severe mental harm.

Barrett was originally charged by the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office in 2018 when the victim reported the abuse, but he evaded authorities until his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service in Marinette, Wis. in January 2025.

Barrett was later extradited to Oceana County in April 2025 under Operation Survivor Justice.

The Operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend and return fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants to Michigan.

“Children should never have to worry about being abused by someone they trust,” said Nessel. “I am incredibly grateful to Operation Survivor Justice for securing a conviction for this victim, who had to wait years for justice. It is because of this partnership that a dangerous offender is off the streets and being held accountable.”

Barrett is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20 in the 51st Circuit Court in Oceana County in front of Judge Susan Sniegowski.

—

Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.