Christopher Shane Montgomery, Hate Crime Conspiracy, Louisiana 2007

State: Louisiana
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/louisiana-man-indicted-involvement-hate-crime-school" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

Bastrop, LA – In a disturbing display of racial intimidation, a noose was hung from a flagpole at Beekman Junior High School in Bastrop, Louisiana. The incident occurred on or about Nov. 6, 2007, and was allegedly orchestrated by Christopher Shane Montgomery and an unnamed accomplice.

According to the indictment, Montgomery and the other person tied a noose around the neck of a dead raccoon and hung it from the flagpole in an attempt to intimidate African-American students attending the school under a court-ordered busing policy.

The indictment alleges that Montgomery’s actions were part of a larger conspiracy to commit a hate crime, and that he lied to federal authorities on two occasions during the investigation into the incident.

Montgomery is also charged with tampering with a witness during the investigation. If convicted of these charges, he faces up to 40 years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kevonne Small of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana.

An indictment is only an accusation, and Montgomery is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as a symbol of the ongoing struggle against hate crimes in America.

BASTROP, LOUISIANA – The city of Bastrop is still reeling from the news of the indictment, with many residents expressing outrage and disappointment at the alleged actions of Montgomery and his accomplice.

The incident has sparked a renewed focus on the importance of addressing hate crimes and promoting tolerance in our communities.

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