Centre County Man Gets Time for Burning Cross

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Centre County man is headed to federal prison after admitting to a shockingly blatant act of intimidation: burning a cross on the lawn of a woman and her African-American friend. Ryan M. Held, a/k/a Ryan M. Foley, 21, received a one-year-and-a-day sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to interfering with housing, a federal civil rights violation.

The sentence was handed down yesterday by United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson. According to court documents, Held’s actions weren’t random. On August 20, 2010, Held deliberately targeted the Woodland, PA, home after observing the female resident socializing with friends, including an African-American male.

The prosecution detailed a disturbing scene. Just before midnight, Held returned to the property and strategically placed a burning cross approximately 60 feet from the front door. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment act; Held then retreated to nearby woods and *watched* the cross burn, reportedly waiting to see if anyone would emerge from the house – a clear attempt to instill fear.

The charge of interfering with housing carries significant weight, as it directly addresses attempts to disrupt a person’s right to peacefully enjoy their home because of their race or association with someone of a different race. Held’s actions weren’t just about a fiery symbol; they were a deliberate attempt to terrorize and displace the residents.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch, alongside Trial Attorney Roy Conn from the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, successfully prosecuted the case. They presented compelling evidence that established Held’s intent and the impact of his actions on the victims.

U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton praised the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their thorough investigation, which ultimately led to Held’s conviction and sentencing. This case serves as a stark reminder that hate-fueled intimidation will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of federal law. While a year in prison is a start, the lingering damage caused by such a hateful act will undoubtedly remain.

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