Wheaton Community Reacts to Pastor Barnes' Guilty Verdict

Wheaton, Minn-Thy Kingdom Come church pastor Danny Barnes was found guilty of fifth degree assault in a Traverse county courtroom this week.

The trial lasted two days and the verdict was delivered on Wednesday.

Some in the community of Wheaton say it is about time.

"He should be found guilty for all the stuff he's done in this town. All the violence," said Tammy Velon.

However, Thy Kingdom Come church member Noel Caffey disagrees.

"I don't think it's justified...it's just the way he is. He's an aggressive person and people just aren't ready for that," said Caffey.

Since the verdict Barnes has left Wheaton and his church is empty, which according to Velon is good news for the community of Wheaton.

"Now that Barnes is gone...things are much more quiet. There was chaos around here for four years," said Velon.

But not everyone is glad to see the ministry go.

"It's somebody out there that needs this ministry and now it's gone, so I hope we can get it back running again," said Caffey.

Barnes' sentencing should take place later this month, where he could face up to 30 days in jail.

Written for the Web by Anthony Kiekow.

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