Alleged Kent pimp has trial date continued to July 22

The trial date has been continued to July 22 for a man who reportedly made nearly $200,000 as a pimp in Kent and Seattle.

Shacon Fontane Barbee, 34, of Seattle, faces charges of promoting prostitution, leading organized crime, promoting sexual abuse of a minor and other offenses. He had been scheduled for trial on May 6.

Defense attorney Brian Todd requested the continuance in part because, “witness interviews are progressing but not complete,” according to King County Superior Court documents.

Barbee has waived his right to a speedy trial. Barbee did not sign the latest continuance in his case. Instead of his signature, the court document states, “declines to sign but does not voice an objection.”

Earlier continuances also were granted because more time was needed to complete witness interviews, said Dan Donohoe, spokesman for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, in an email.

Barbee had an initial trial date of September 2011 after his arrest by Kent Police in December 2010. His trial date has been continued numerous times.

If convicted as charged, Barbee could face up to 15 years in prison.

Barbee remains in the county jail at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Bail was set at $500,000. He allegedly made at least $192,000 as a pimp during one eight-month period, according to charging papers filed.

A then 19-year-old prostitute told detectives that she earned about $2,000 per week mainly from working along Pacific Highway South in Kent and Denny Way in Seattle. She gave all of that money to Barbee.

Barbee pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The charges include three counts of promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor; first-degree promoting prostitution; second-degree promoting prostitution; and leading organized crime. He also is charged with three counts of first-degree theft in connection with wrongfully obtaining money from the Social Security Administration and one count of tampering with a witness.