Raccoon Hate Crime

Two Baltimore women pleaded guilty to a heinous hate crime after conspiring to hang a dead raccoon on an African family’s porch in 2010. Dena Whedbee and her daughter Brittany Whedbee, both from Baltimore, admitted to their role in the racially-motivated conspiracy.

According to their plea agreement, Dena and Brittany Whedbee conspired with Joshua Wall, Billy Pratt, and another co-conspirator to commit the despicable act on April 29, 2010. The group’s intention was to frighten the African family and interfere with their housing rights.

Dena, 42, and her daughter, 20, each pleaded guilty in the District of Maryland to one count of conspiracy to deprive a person of civil rights and one count of violating the Fair Housing Act. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to deprive a person of civil rights is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while violating the Fair Housing Act carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2012. Meanwhile, Billy Pratt and Joshua Wall, who previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in the conspiracy, will face sentencing on August 17, 2012.

Special Agent Mia Winkley of the FBI investigated the case, and Trial Attorney Angie Cha of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham, are prosecuting the case.

The Whedbee women’s guilty pleas serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of hate crimes and the importance of protecting civil rights. Their actions demonstrate a shocking disregard for human dignity and the law.

As the sentencing process unfolds, the Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on the Whedbee women’s fate.

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