U.S. Marshals Join Search for Baltimore Convicted Rapist After Sex-Offender Registry Noncompliance Alleged

Federal fugitive investigators added to effort to locate Baltimore man wanted on a probation warrant

U.S. Marshals have joined a search for a Baltimore man previously convicted of rape after authorities alleged he failed to meet Maryland’s sex-offender registration requirements and a probation violation warrant was issued.

The man, identified by law-enforcement statements and public records as Barber, was convicted of first-degree rape in Baltimore City in 2001 and received a prison sentence exceeding 35 years, followed by mandatory supervision. Authorities say he was released in February 2023. By August 2025, officials had sought a warrant alleging a probation violation tied to sex-offender registry noncompliance.

Why Marshals became involved

The U.S. Marshals Service routinely assists state and local agencies in locating fugitives wanted on violent-crime warrants or cases assessed as posing heightened public-safety concerns. In this case, federal marshals’ participation signals that officials view locating Barber as time-sensitive and that investigators may be using multi-jurisdictional resources common to fugitive task force operations.

What “noncompliant” can mean under Maryland registration rules

Maryland law requires people who must register as sex offenders to provide current information to authorities and to update key details such as residence and other identifying information within legally defined timelines. State guidance describes failure to comply as a criminal offense that can expose an individual to additional penalties, separate from any supervision conditions imposed by a court.

State and local agencies use the registry both to maintain records and to support compliance checks. Maryland also funds dedicated compliance-enforcement efforts for local law-enforcement agencies as part of broader initiatives aimed at monitoring registrants and pursuing enforcement actions when required updates are not completed.

Prior police contact after release

Court records and reporting reviewed by the newsroom indicate Barber was arrested in September 2023 in connection with allegations including armed robbery and assault in north Baltimore. The case did not proceed after prosecutors declined to prosecute when a witness did not appear, according to those records.

How the public is being asked to help

Authorities have urged anyone with information about Barber’s location to contact law enforcement and have advised the public not to approach him.

Anyone who believes they have information should report it directly to police or the U.S. Marshals Service through official tip channels, and call 911 in an emergency.

• The active warrant is described by authorities as stemming from alleged supervision and registry-related violations.
• Law-enforcement agencies emphasize that tips should be reported, not acted upon by members of the public.
• Registry compliance rules in Maryland require timely updates and accurate reporting by registrants.

The case remains an active fugitive investigation. Officials have not publicly detailed Barber’s last confirmed location or the specific circumstances that led to the most recent enforcement action beyond the alleged registry noncompliance and related probation warrant.