Officer Charged In Gun Case Back In Jail

INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis Metro police officer charged with selling a gun to a known felon was back in jail Friday after he failed to live up to conditions that allowed him to be released on bond, a judge said.

After the arrest of Jason Barber, 32, last week, the court set his bond at $100,000.

This week, Judge William Young reduced Barber's bond to $5,000 after he promised to meet several conditions, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

One of the conditions was that Barber would immediately sever all ties with officers from IMPD.

According to court documents, Barber sent text messages from his personal cell phone to several officers asking that they pray for him and pray that God would show the truth during a difficult time.

"I told him I did not want him or his family or his friends or anyone associated with him making contact with any other members of the police department in any way, shape, or form," said Judge William Young. "The allegation is that he has been texting messages to various members of the police department trying to garner support."

Barber, an 8-year veteran officer, was suspended with pay and recommended for termination from the department.

He faces up to an 8-year prison sentence if convicted of selling the gun to the felon.

Barber's trial is set to begin in September.