McNairy Co. chiropractor charged with rape does not appear in court
This video is no longer available.
McNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. — Court officials say Matthew Barnes, the Adamsville chiropractor who is charged with aggravated statutory rape, did not show up Monday for his court appearance. The local chiropractor and martial arts instructor was scheduled for a preliminary hearing, but neither Barnes nor his attorney showed up for the appearance. Some Adamsville residents say they are surprised by the allegations. “I thought, I couldn’t believe this, they’ve got the wrong person,” Christine Jones said. Deputies said back in May a father called Sheriff Guy Buck after finding text messages and social media conversations between his 14-year-old daughter and Barnes. He was charged with aggravated statutory rape. Jones said she is a former patient of Barnes and never had a problem at his family practice. “He was real friendly,” Jones said. “Sort of shy, but real friendly too and very professional.” Jones said she hopes everything will come to light in his next court appearance. “I hope he’s cleared up, and I hope it’s just a mistake,” Jones said. “But if it’s not, then I hope justice is served.” WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News reached out to the victim’s family and Matthew Barnes, and all declined to comment. The next hearing has not been scheduled.
