U. S. Marshals Offer Reward for Information Leading to Capture of Georgia Escapees

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Marshals Service is offering dual $2,500 rewards for information that leads to the arrests of two Tattnall County Jail escapees. Chad Everette Dasher and Raymond Thomas Smith escaped from the Tattnall County Jail on Jan. 24. They executed an elaborate plan to breach jail security and escaped through the jail’s roof. They are considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Chad Everette Dasher was being held on multiple charges for a multi-county crime spree that occurred in Georgia in 2012. Dasher is a white male, 5’9” tall and 140 pounds. He has green eyes and brown hair. Dasher has an extensive criminal history, including arrests for burglary, firearms, fraud, narcotics, resisting arresting and traffic offenses. He has a history of fleeing from law enforcement.

Smith was being held on multiple counts of aggravated child molestation. Smith is a white male, 6’1” tall and 200 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. In Raymond Thomas Smith addition to Smith’s arrest for sex offenses, he has prior arrests for assault, firearms, and obstruction.

If you have any information about these escapees, call the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office at 912-557-6777 or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102. Tips can also be emailed to usms.wanted@usdoj.gov. All information is confidential. A $2,500.00 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of each of these fugitives. In order to collect the reward, tipsters should be prepared to give their name and contact information to law enforcement officials manning the tip lines.

Established in 1789, the U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. In fiscal year 2013, the Marshals apprehended approximately 36,000 federal fugitives and cleared approximately 39,000 felony warrants. Marshals-led fugitive task forces arrested 74,200 state and local fugitives and cleared approximately 95,000 state and local felony warrants in FY 2013.

The U. S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) was created by the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. Congress recognized the U.S. Marshals expertise in tracking and apprehending dangerous fugitives and ordered the creation of regional fugitive task forces (RFTFs) in core cities throughout the country. Via this mandate, SERFTF was created in 2003 and has offices in Atlanta, Macon and Savannah to assist state, county and local agencies as a central investigative base to identify, locate and apprehend dangerous offenders.

In FY2013, SERFTF arrested approximately 2,534 fugitives and cleared roughly 4,048 warrants statewide in Georgia. Locally, the Savannah Division of SERFTF is composed of state and local law enforcement officers from the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Parole, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, and the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office.

Minnesota Man and Woman Sentenced for Participating in a Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

Today, the Justice Department announced that Andre James Hertzog, 29, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release for participating in a sex trafficking conspiracy.  Hertzog’s co-defendant, Nicole Bramer, 29, was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.  In addition, the defendants were each ordered to pay $6100 in restitution to the victims of the offense.  Hertzog and Bramer are both from St. Paul, Minn.

 

“The defendants preyed upon vulnerable young women by a variety of deplorable means,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division.  “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting those who sexually exploit vulnerable women for financial benefit.”

 

“Working with victims of sex trafficking to attain a measure of justice is a serious responsibility,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Warrener for the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office.  “These sentences are the culmination of investigators and prosecutors effectively communicating with victims.”

 

Bramer pleaded guilty to participating in the sex trafficking conspiracy on May 29, 2013, and Hertzog pleaded guilty on July 2, 2013.  During his plea hearing, Hertzog admitted that, from April 2011 to August 2012, he and Bramer engaged in a scheme to target and recruit young, vulnerable women, one of whom was a minor, and to compel them into performing commercial sex acts for their own financial gain.  Hertzog and Bramer used coercive tactics, including physical violence and psychological coercion, to isolate the young women, control them and cause them to perform acts of prostitution.  As part of the trafficking scheme, the defendants transported the victims across state lines for the purpose of having them engage in prostitution, and the defendants routinely advertised the sexual services of the young women on the internet website Backpage.com.

 

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted jointly by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Kappelhoff for the District of Minnesota, Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti, and former Trial Attorney Amanda Gregory for the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

DEA and Maryland Science Center Open Powerful New Exhibit That Explores Costs and Consequences of Drug Abuse

BALTIMORE – February 11, 2014   The 10,000 square-foot Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause exhibit opened today at the Maryland Science Center and runs through September 1st.  The national touring exhibit is an interactive exploration of the effects of drugs on both individuals and society.  Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the history and the current science behind drug law enforcement, drug abuse prevention, and drug treatment specific to Maryland’s local communities.

Experienced by more than 22 million students, teachers, and parents in 9 cities across the country to-date, Target America explains the science behind illegal drug addiction, and the countless costs and consequences of illegal drugs to individuals, American society, and the world. Visitors will experience a drug investigation from start to finish, helping them understand the environmental effects of drugs and what law enforcement, drug abuse education, and treatment are doing to break the troubling cycle of drugs and drug-related violence. They will view both an actual South American jungle coca processing lab, a re-created Afghan heroin factory, as well as analyze brain-scans in a simulated MRI machine and view real wreckage from a drug-related car accident. A new portion of Target America will focus specifically on Maryland and Baltimore, exploring the evolution of heroin abuse and enforcement in the area, the addiction science research taking place at Maryland universities, and drug abuse prevention groups working to educate students across the state.

“This exhibit opens at the height of school group visitation to the Maryland Science Center.  We look forward to sharing its content with the hundreds of schools who will be visiting on field trips between now and the end of the school year,” says Maryland Science Center President and CEO Van Reiner.

Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause was developed in partnership with The DEA Educational Foundation, The U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, The U.S. National Guard, The National Institute on Drug Abuse, The Office of National Drug Control Policy, and The Partnership at Drugfree.org. 

“This Baltimore, Maryland exhibit will educate both youth and adults of the Mid-Atlantic Region on the devastating effects that drug trafficking and drug use have on our community.  Marylanders will understand that drug enforcement, prevention, and education go hand-in-hand in order to solve the drug abuse and addiction issue,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Karl Colder.

A broad coalition of corporate, foundation, and individual sponsors helped cover the costs of bringing the Target America exhibit to Maryland.  The exhibit began a national tour in 2002 at the DEA Museum in Arlington, Virginia and has since inspired over 22 million visitors in Dallas, Omaha, New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and most recently in Tampa.  For more information on the content of the exhibit and related educational programs, visit www.targetamerica.org.

Target America is free for Maryland school groups when visiting on field trips. All Target America activities are free with paid admission to the Maryland Science Center.  For dates of specific activities, more information and ticket prices, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org or call the 24-Hour Information Line at 410-685-5225.

About the Maryland Science Center

Named one of Parents Magazine’s Top 10 Science Centers in America, the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore makes science understandable and fun for more than 500,000 visitors a year. The Maryland Science Center inspires, fascinates, motivates and engages children and adults with dozens of interactive exhibits, traveling exhibitions, original presentations in the world-famous Davis Planetarium, larger-than-life movies in the five-story St. John Properties IMAX Theater, and hundreds of hands-on programs delivered throughout the state each year.

U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrests Wayne County Sexual Assault Fugitive in West Virginia

On the run since September 2009

Scranton, PA – Today, United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced that the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force arrested Christopher Karl Scott - a 34-year old man formerly of Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania.

During 2008, the Pennsylvania State Police investigated Scott for the alleged sexual assaults of two minor females in Mount Pleasant Township. On October 17, 2008, Scott surrendered to authorities in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. He appeared before Magisterial District Judge Ronald Edwards who released Scott on unsecured bail.

In 2009, Scott appeared in the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas to plead guilty to the charges. After learning that his guilty plea would designate him as a sexually violent predator under the provisions of Megan’s Law, Scott withdrew his plea and requested a trial. Scott was allowed to remain free on unsecured bail pending the trial.

On September 21, 2009, Scott failed to appear for trial in the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas. President Judge Raymond L. Hamill issued a Bench Warrant for the arrest of Scott. On September 29, 2009, the Pennsylvania State Police requested the assistance of the USMS Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to locate and arrest Scott. Scranton-based Deputy U.S. Marshals pursued leads in Pennsylvania, surrounding states, and as far away as Texas.

In early February 2014, Crime Watch PA – an on-line tip and law enforcement information sharing service – received information that Scott was living in a remote cabin near Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. U.S. Marshals in the Middle District of Pennsylvania sent an investigative lead to their counterparts in the Northern District of West Virginia. On February 6, Deputy U.S. Marshals placed a cabin in Pendleton County under surveillance. After several hours, Scott was positively identified as he entered the cabin. The fugitive was arrested without incident. When taken into custody, he had no identification on his person. However, personnel observed documents inside the cabin containing the alias of Christopher Campbell. No other persons were found in or around the cabin at the time of arrest. Scott was turned over to West Virginia authorities and lodged in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, to await extradition back to Pennsylvania.

United States Marshal Martin J. Pane stated, “The arrest of this fugitive, charged with crimes against two young children, was a priority to the Marshals Service. While he was on the run, there could be no justice for the little girls. It is my sincere hope that, by taking this fugitive into custody to face justice in the Wayne County Courts, some measure of comfort will be realized.”

U.S. Marshals received assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police and Lackawanna Sheriff’s Office. These agencies are participating members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Additional assistance was provided in West Virginia by the West Virginia State Police and the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Department.

The concept of all USMS-led fugitive task forces is to seek out and arrest the nation’s most dangerous offenders.

Teach your teen to stand up to dating violence

by Chris McCann
JBER Public Affairs

2/6/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Mr. Gavin, the history teacher, stands in the hall, watching the students rifling through their lockers or hurrying to class.

Tom's girlfriend, Mary, grabs Tom's smartphone out of his hand.

"Hey, give that back," he argues. The teacher observes silently as Mary studies the phone, scrolling through things, then she holds it up to his face.

"Who's Becky? Becky Williams?"

"I just had to text her for the lab notes!"

Mary throws the phone and it hits Tom in the shoulder, then falls to the floor. Tom picks it up as she stomps away, and puts it in the locker, then heads to class.

"Hey, Tom," the history teacher said. "Does she do that a lot?"

Tom shrugs. "It's no big deal."

"That doesn't seem like a very healthy relationship."

"Eh, it was just a phone. Everybody does that sometimes."

It's rather abusive, Gavin thinks. But he's seen this kind of behavior before; it really seems to be something kids accept.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, and unfortunately, these kinds of behaviors are, in fact, often not seen as a "big deal" at all - but the fact is, they are abusive.

A 2012 study by RTI International surveyed 1,430 7th grade students. Thirty-seven percent reported being a victim of physical dating violence.

Nearly three quarters of students reported talking to their parents about dating and dating violence. That communication is considered a protective factor.

Family Advocacy Outreach Manager Jennifer Frysz cited a recent survey in which teens rated behaviors.

"Many teens thought hitting was OK," she said. "Injury-causing was bad, but choking, taking someone's phone - those are OK. They're not seeing violence the same way as adults. ... we've got to change that view, and explain the whys of it."
Any form of threat is abuse, Frysz said. Some, though not all, is illegal. For example, taking someone's phone is a crime in Alaska.

"It's a big deal," Frysz said. "This is the next generation of adults, and they look to adults for examples of interactions - in marriage, about stressors. It's important to set examples. And if they are exposed to violence in the home, there's probably inadequate mentoring in stress management."

Threats via social media, or cyberbullying, are also a rising trend, and can be more insidious because the child feels unable to escape the bullying even at home. Worse, anything online can be propagated almost instantly and dog a person for years.

To help teens, the Family Advocacy team will be visiting schools from Feb. 12 through 14 providing information about dating, social media pitfalls, and healthy relationships. There is also a "Teen Talk" class being offered.

The most critical step in stopping violence is to get to the source of the problem, she said. Teens with a positive self-image and who take responsibility are less likely to be victimized.

Children and teens model what theyre shown. And despite the perception of teens as dismissive, parents are the most influential models of all.

That doesn't let others off the hook.

"The whole community has to be an example," said Frysz, a licensed social worker and counselor. "There's a perception of teens as lazy and disrespectful - but they have a lot of stressors too. School is tough. If a teen has a bad attitude, ask what's wrong.

"Don't think the worst of them; the best thing to do is be there for them. They're 'challenging' because they're becoming independent, but they still need us. You have to look past the attitude and remember that."

Another tactic is to make your teens part of the parenting process. Frysz suggested encouraging them to cook or do chores. For curfews, which can be a contentious issue, she had another idea.

"Ask your teen 'What time do you think you should be in?' If their idea isn't reasonable, remind them that it's a school night. This forces their thought processes.

"Don't just say no," Frysz said. "Tell them why, and why it's important to be cognizant." Respecting their input recognizes their growing maturity while still offering a guiding hand.

Helping your teen establish healthy boundaries is important. If you serve others, while making time for yourself and your family, it sets a good example.

Military personnel and veterans can also extrapolate ways to teach their teens.

Helping a teen understand time management helps reduce their anxieties and fears, Frysz said. For example, set times to do homework, for meals, and for bed can create a soothing routine. Those things are often almost hard-wired into Soldiers and Airmen.

Military units have team-building events like picnics and games to build cohesion; families can do the same.

Showing gratitude and offering praise to children is also important. In the military, awards and decorations can motivate people and enhance morale; in parenting, affection and praise accomplish this just as well.

"Self-esteem is very much a protective factor," Frysz said. "Tell them good things. Their perceptions and identities are developing, so challenge inaccurate or negative ideas."

And just as sleep is critical for troops to accomplish the mission, sleep is important to children and teens, whose brains are developing rapidly.

If parents are approachable, kids will talk, Frysz said. Listen to the whole story instead of jumping to conclusions, and let them know you're there to help, not to judge. Let them know you'll help provide safety measures if they feel it's necessary.

"All these things build up, and the teens won't allow himself to be abused," she said.

Pressure to have sex is abusive as well, and can have far-reaching consequences; Alaska has high rates of sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea, especially among youth - who are statistically more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.

As for teens who feel they may be in an abusive relationship, Frysz said to listen to gut feelings.

"I'm a big proponent of listening to that inner voice," she said. "Yes, you're struggling for independence, but consider the risks if there are red lights flashing."

Telling a safe adult is always a good bet. If you're scared about what to do, there are many helping agencies available through JBER or off the installation.

"If you're thinking something's not normal, others probably think that too," Frysz said. "Don't hold it in; don't let fear restrain you. Tell someone and get help safely."

Some red flags of an abusive relationship include badmouthing exes, controlling behaviors such as reading your email or text messages, attempting to separate you from friends or family, or encouraging you to break rules.

If you think you need assistance, talk to parents or a trusted adult. You can also speak to a doctor, chaplain or clergy person, or a counselor.

To reach Family Advocacy, call 384-2999.

The website loveisrespect.org offers quizzes to help see if your relationship is healthy; they also provide anonymous help services. The Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teen_dating_violence.html offers statistics and ways to get help, as well as information for parents who suspect their teen may be at risk.

Former Tennessee Police Officer Sentenced for Assaulting an Arrestee

Christopher Eugene Reynolds, 39, a former police officer of the Selmer, Tenn., Police Department (SPD), was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen to serve one year and one day in prison following his conviction for violating the civil rights of an arrestee, the Justice Department announced.  Reynolds pleaded guilty Nov. 6, 2013.  Judge Breen also sentenced Reynolds to a period of two years supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

 

“The majority of law enforcement officers do not abuse their authority, however, the defendant has admitted that he wrongfully assaulted an arrestee,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who use their official position to violate the civil rights of those in their custody.”

 

Reynolds admitted that on April 28, 2011, while using his authority as a SPD officer, he slammed a handcuffed arrestee to the floor of the McNairy Regional Hospital and struck him once in the face.  According to information presented in court, Reynolds acknowledged that this assault was unreasonable, did not serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose and was not made by accident, mistake or inadvertence. 

 

Reynolds was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

 

This case was investigated by FBI Special Agent Christopher Miller with the assistance of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ryan J. Murguía for the Civil Rights Division and Special Litigation Counsel Gerard V. Hogan, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor L. Ivy for the Western District of Tennessee.  

Lawyers For Personal Injury Cases

Anyone can become a victim to a certain type of accident just by doing daily routines. Every day, people get injured in public places as a result of someone's negligence or direct fault. In the justice system, someone has to be held responsible for another person's injuries that are caused by some sort of accident. Negligence is the leading cause of personal injuries that result from accidents. Slip and fall is a common type of personal injury accident.

A car accident is also responsible for a significant amount of physical trauma to victims. Similarly, other unfortunate events such as dropping of heavy items on people are also considered to be cases of personal injury accidents. Fortunately, every single victim of an accident is entitled to proper compensation and justice in the court of law. AA Accident Attorneys are examples of qualified professionals that can properly represent injured victims of accidents.

It is assumed that every public building, business, organization and other entity is insured for liability. In other words, liability insurance covers the expenses that an insurance holder must pay for the injuries sustained by another person. Surely, insurance companies don't want to pay out large settlements to personal injury victims of accidents. Lawyers can step in and request for the maximum amount of compensation for their clients involved in accidents. Large settlements are usually reached in cases that involve extreme negligence on behalf of a party that is held responsible for causing personal injuries to unsuspecting and innocent victims.

Indiana Law Enforcement Human Trafficking Task Force Announces First Federal Charges

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced the filing of a nine count federal indictment this afternoon against Jerry Mitchell, aka Tre da Great, age 24, of Indianapolis.   The charges include sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a child, transporting a child to engage in prostitution and the production of child pornography.   The indictment follows Mitchell’s arrest by Indianapolis law enforcement and the filing of charges by Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry, and comes as federal and local authorities have joined forces to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.

 

“This indictment shows the importance of partnerships across all levels to address the horrific crime of human trafficking,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the division.   “The Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys offices across the country will continue their aggressive work to combat these types of crimes.”

 

“The scourge of human trafficking is a global crisis, but the fight against modern day slavery begins right here at home,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett for the Southern District of Indiana.   “That is why we have teamed up with law enforcement partners across this state and around the country to combat the types of horrific abuse that are alleged in this case.”

 

According to the federal indictment and state probable cause affidavit, an investigation into Mitchell’s alleged criminal activity began in July 2013, when officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were flagged down and informed by a woman that her niece, a reported runaway, had returned home and reported she had been the victim of sexual assault.   Further investigation resulted in the identification of a suspect who went by the name of Tre, an alleged alias of Mitchell, as well as information indicating that the defendant was running a prostitution operation in the near-northside area of Indianapolis.

 

The indictment alleges that from May 2013 through June 27, 2013, Mitchell engaged in sex trafficking by means of force, fraud or coercion.   The allegations include the trafficking of females between the ages of 19 and 21, as well as three minors aged 12, 16 and 17.   Mitchell also allegedly transported the minors to facilitate their prostitution activities and sexually assaulted these female minors on a number of occasions.   The federal indictment alleges that on June 22, 2013, Mitchell also made a video recording the sexual abuse of the 12-year-old female victim.

 

Mitchell had an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Indianapolis this afternoon, and was ordered detained pending trial.   Mitchell faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison if convicted of all counts.   Under federal law, the defendant would be required to serve a minimum of 85 percent of his prison term within a correctional facility.

 

This case was the result of a collaborative investigation spearheaded by the Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans (IPATH) Task Force, one of 42 task forces nationwide funded by the Department of Justice to address the issue of human trafficking.   IPATH was created in 2006 and is chaired by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.   The group meets regularly to collaborate on cases and projects, provide additional training to law enforcement and raise awareness in our community about human trafficking.

 

Informations, indictments and criminal complaints are only a charge and are not evidence of guilt.   A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Former Alabama KKK Leader Pleads Guilty to Cross Burning and Obstruction of Justice

Steven Joshua Dinkle, 28, former Exalted Cyclops of the Ozark, Ala., chapter of the International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), pleaded guilty in federal court today to hate crime and obstruction of justice charges for his role in a 2009 cross burning, the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama announced.

 

According to documents filed with the court, Dinkle and one of his KKK recruits, Thomas Windell Smith, met at Dinkle’s home on May 8, 2009, and decided to burn a cross in a local African-American neighborhood. 

 

Dinkle constructed a wooden cross about six feet tall, wrapped jeans and a towel around it to make it more flammable and loaded it into Smith’s truck.  Around 8:00 p.m., Dinkle and Smith drove to an African-American neighborhood in Ozark.  Dinkle unloaded the cross at the entrance to the community and dug a hole in the ground, then poured fuel on the cross, stood it up in the hole in view of several houses and set it on fire.  Dinkle and Smith then drove away.

 

When questioned by local investigators, Dinkle falsely denied his involvement in the incident and stated that he had resigned his office and withdrawn from the KKK months before the cross burning.  When approached by the FBI, Dinkle again lied and told a special agent that he had been at home with his girlfriend when the cross burning occurred.  He further claimed that he did not know one of his superiors in the KKK at the time of the cross burning.  During the plea hearing, Dinkle admitted that in burning the cross, he intended to scare and intimidate residents of the African-American community by threatening the use of force against them.  He further admitted that he burned the cross because of the victims’ race and color and because they were occupying homes in that area.

 

Dinkle pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate housing rights, one count of criminal interference with the right to fair housing and two counts of obstruction of justice.   

 

Dinkle faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 maximum fine on the conspiracy and criminal interference counts and a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $500,000 maximum fine for obstructing justice by making false statements to both local investigators and federal agents.  Sentencing for Dinkle has not yet been scheduled.

 

Dinkle’s co-conspirator, Smith, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate housing rights in December 2013.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2014.

 

“By targeting the victims with a blazing cross in the night, one of the most threatening racial symbols in our nation’s history, the defendant attempted to terrorize a neighborhood because of the color of the residents’ skin,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division.  “Prosecuting these racially motivated crimes will continue to be a priority for the Department of Justice.”

 

“ As a society we hope to never see this type of hate,” said U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama.  “We will continue to prosecute those that commit these horrible acts of hate to the fullest extent of the law.”

 

This case was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office and the Ozark Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerusha T. Adams of the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains of the Civil Rights Division.