Former deputy pleads guilty in reckless homicide trial

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A former Charleston County deputy pleaded guilty Wednesday for his role in a deadly May 2020 crash on Old Towne Road.

Jason Barry entered his plea in the middle of the trial this week after the prosecution had rested its case. At one point, he read a remorseful letter to the courtroom that was directed to the victim’s family.

He was sentenced to five years on the reckless homicide charge, and suspended to 90 days in county jail. The judge also gave him three years’ probation with 100 hours of community service.

Barry, who had been with the sheriff’s office for about a year, collided with an SUV as it attempted to make a left turn onto North Hillside Drive during the early hours of May 21, 2020.

The driver of that SUV suffered serious injuries and died while at the Medical University of South Carolina.

An internal investigation through the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office determined Barry violated department policies and was terminated from the sheriff’s office. He was arrested and charged with reckless homicide by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Barry must report to jail by 5 p.m. Monday.