By TopTrendReportTv
March 29, 2025
Chicago Man Sentenced to Probation After Attempting to Smuggle 41 Pounds of Marijuana into O’Hare
CHICAGO — Rhashad Barnes, 27, was sentenced to probation after being arrested last summer for attempting to smuggle 41 pounds of marijuana into O’Hare International Airport in his luggage.
Barnes, originally charged with cannabis trafficking, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, ultimately pleading guilty to a reduced charge of manufacture and delivery of 2,000 to 5,000 grams of cannabis. Judge Ursula Walowski sentenced him to two years of probation after his conviction.
The arrest stems from an incident on August 17, 2024, when the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office notified Chicago Police Department (CPD) that Barnes was traveling with luggage containing bricks of marijuana. As Barnes boarded his flight from Sacramento to Chicago, California authorities provided CPD with detailed information about his flight, luggage, and the contents.
Upon arrival at O’Hare, CPD officers apprehended Barnes at baggage claim carousel #3, where he had retrieved his two suitcases. When questioned, Barnes allegedly downplayed the contents, telling officers there was “a little weed” in the bags. Upon inspection, officers found 41 heat-sealed packages containing marijuana, weighing 41 pounds in total.
The estimated value of the marijuana was pegged at $296,024. Barnes had initially faced a Class X felony charge, which carries a minimum six-year sentence, but the plea deal resulted in the probation sentence instead.
Barnes must comply with the terms of his probation for the next two years.