WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three Arkansas men, James Bradley Branscum, 52, and 49-year-old Tony Branscum, both from Salado, and Curtis Coffee, 54, of Batesville, have been indicted on charges related to the burning of a cross in the yard of an African-American resident in Salado on Aug. 28, 2010.
According to court documents, the three men were charged with one count of conspiracy to interfere with the housing rights of another, one count of interfering with the housing rights of another, and one count of using fire in the commission of a felony. If convicted, the three face a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with cooperation from Independence County, Ark., Sheriff Alan Cockrill and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Independence County Sheriff’s Office. The case will be prosecuted by Trial Attorney Cindy Chung from the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ray White from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Across the nation, similar hate crimes have sparked outrage and calls for justice. The indictment of these three men is a step towards bringing closure to the victim and community affected by this heinous act.
The charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A trial date has not yet been set.
The investigation and indictment of these three men are a testament to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat hate crimes and protect the civil rights of all individuals. The community is urged to remain vigilant in reporting any instances of hate crimes.
As this case moves forward, the Grimy Times will continue to provide updates and coverage. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
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