Brice Johnson, Hate Crime, Texas 2014
Federal Complaint Filed Against Springtown Man in Hate Crime Case
Fort Worth, Texas - A federal complaint has been filed against Brice Johnson, 19, of Springtown, Texas, for his alleged role in a hate crime that took place in September 2013.
According to the complaint, Johnson severely beat an adult male victim, identified as A.K., because of his perceived sexual orientation. The victim was hospitalized for 10 days in Fort Worth and was diagnosed and treated for multiple skull and facial fractures.
The investigation revealed that Johnson saved A.K.'s cell phone number using a gay slur as a contact name and later stated that he was playing a prank on the victim because of his sexual orientation. The complaint was filed on February 12, 2014, in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas.
Johnson, who has been in state custody since his arrest on September 10, 2013, made his initial appearance in federal court on February 12, 2014.
“Suspected crimes of this nature will simply not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Saldaña. “With the assistance of all our partners, hate crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Springtown Police Department and the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cara Foos Pierce and Trial Attorney Saeed Mody of the Civil Rights Division.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the statutory maximum penalty upon conviction for the offense as charged is 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has 30 days to present the matter to a grand jury for indictment, and an indictment could include other charges that increase the maximum penalty.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: Brice Johnson
- Criminal Charges: Willfully causing bodily injury to a person because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation of that person.
- City and State: Fort Worth, Texas
- Exact Date: September 2, 2013 (crime date)
- Sentence or Outcome: Currently in state custody, awaiting federal court proceedings
- Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine, 10 years in federal prison (maximum penalty)
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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