Charles Cannon, Hate Crime, Texas 2011
Four Men Indicted in Hate Crime Assault in Houston
A brutal attack on an African-American man waiting at a bus stop in downtown Houston has led to federal hate crime charges against four men, according to a federal indictment.
Charles Cannon, 26, Michael McLaughlin, 40, Brian Kerstetter, 32, and Joseph Staggs, 49, have been charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a law enacted in October 2009.
The indictment alleges that on August 13, 2011, the defendants approached and attacked the victim, punching and kicking him about the face, head, and body. At least one of the defendants used racial slurs during the assault.
Three of the defendants had tattoos known to reflect an affiliation with white supremacist gangs. All four were arrested at the scene after a 911 call.
The case is being investigated by the Houston Division of the FBI in cooperation with the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Saeed Mody and Special Litigation Counsel Gerard Hogan of the Civil Rights Division.
Assistance was also provided by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
According to the indictment, if convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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