James Brown, Cross Burning, Virginia 2020

The community of Marion, Virginia, is breathing a sigh of relief after a man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for a despicable act of hatred. James Brown, 41, pleaded guilty to criminal interference with federally protected housing rights based upon the victim’s race in April.

On the morning of June 14, 2020, Brown burned a cross on the front yard of an African American family who had organized a civil rights protest the day before. Brown admitted to burning the cross to two witnesses and also used racial epithets when referring to the family.

‘When Brown burned a cross in the victim’s front yard, he carried out a despicable act of intimidation, interfered with a federally protected housing right, and broke a serious federal law,’ Acting U.S. Attorney Bubar stated. ‘Today’s sentence demonstrates that such threatening acts of hatred will be swiftly investigated and prosecuted.’

The FBI, Marion Police Department, and Smyth County Sheriff’s Office worked together to investigate the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary T. Lee and Daniel Murphy are prosecuting the case.

Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador emphasized the FBI’s commitment to investigating allegations of civil rights violations. ‘We have zero tolerance in our communities for those individuals violating anyone’s civil rights. Investigating allegations of civil rights violations continues to be a top priority for the FBI.’

The community is grateful for the swift and strong action taken by law enforcement in this case. The FBI and state partners are encouraging anyone who may have knowledge or is a victim of a hate crime to report it to law enforcement.

Brown’s sentence serves as a reminder that such acts of hatred will not be tolerated in our communities. The case highlights the importance of community liaison and law enforcement partnerships in preventing and addressing hate crimes.

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