Trigger Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence.
Former Love Island USA star Cashel Barnett has been sentenced in his domestic violence case. The Season 1 Islander, who also competed on The Challenge USA, has been in custody since last summer after his ex-girlfriend accused him of choking her and sexually assaulting her in front of their baby. Cashel reached a plea deal, and now, he’s going to sit in jail a little bit longer.
Cashel Barnett was sentenced for each charge separately
According to court documents reviewed by People, Cashel appeared in court on Monday, March 16. He pleaded guilty to several of his charges, split into two separate cases. As a reminder, his rap sheet originally included aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
After reaching a plea deal with prosecutors, he wound up pleading guilty to one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse. He received a one-year jail sentence.
In a second case, Cashel pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree felony aggravated assault. He also pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree felony domestic violence in the presence of a child. Those charges also carried a one-year jail sentence.
Cashel has been behind bars since June 2025, and the prosecutors say that he’ll get credit for that time served. He’ll be on probation after his release. His ex has an ongoing protective order in place against him.
Following the sentencing, Cashel’s attorney, Andrew Deesing, released a statement saying that the former Love Island star “regrets what happened.” He then went on to explain exactly why this plea deal worked out the way it did.
“In our justice system, most cases resolve in plea deals,” he began, “And when you’re looking at 15 years to life, and the government offers you a deal that requires a year in jail, it creates a real tough situation for people, but Cash acknowledges that there was wrongdoing here and he regrets what happened.”
Love Island USA is streaming on Peacock.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
TELL US – WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO CASHEL REACHING A PLEA DEAL? DO YOU THINK THIS IS A FAIR SENTENCING?
