Barrington Man Sentenced In Assault, Disorderly Conduct Case

BARRINGTON, RI — A Barrington man who was found guilty of simple assault and disorderly conduct against his next-door neighbor last week has been sentenced to 18 months of probation, community service, and racial sensitivity training, said a news release from Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.

Richard Gordon, 71, was sentenced to one year of probation on the count of simple assault and six months of probation on the count of disorderly conduct, said Neronha. The judge also ordered Gordon to undergo a mental health evaluation, have no contact with his neighbors for the duration of his probation, complete non-violence training with an anti-racism component, and serve 40 hours of community service.

The judge denied the sentencing enhancement to charge Gordon with a hate crime that was filed by the state on August 11, 2020. In Rhode Island, a defendant must be convicted of a criminal offense before being charged with a hate crime. If the court determines the crime was racially motivated in a separate hearing, the penalty can be increased.

“Although we are disappointed that the Court did not impose an enhanced sentence under the Hate Crimes Sentencing Act, I respect the Court’s decision,” said Neronha in a statement.

Gordon's conviction stems from a fight that took place in Barrington on August 3, 2020, when prosecutors say Gordon yelled racial slurs and assaulted his neighbor after the neighbor replaced a surveyor's stake in Gordon's front yard. Part of the incident was captured on a cell phone video and shared on social media.