Montgomery, Alabama – In a stunning turn of events, Steven Joshua Dinkle, once the Exalted Cyclops of a Ku Klux Klan chapter in Ozark, has been indicted for orchestrating a cross-burning at a predominantly African-American neighborhood. The event, which targeted local residents’ federally protected housing rights, has led to federal charges against Dinkle and his mother, Pamela Morris.
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, Dinkle was nabbed in Mississippi for the act of burning a cross and obstructing the subsequent investigation. His mother, who served as the former secretary of the KKK chapter, was arrested on Nov. 21, 2013, for committing perjury before the grand jury.
The 28-year-old Dinkle faces a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama, unsealed on Nov. 27. Charges include conspiracy to violate housing rights, criminal interference with the right to fair housing, using fire to commit a federal felony, and obstruction of justice.
According to the indictment, Dinkle, along with an unnamed co-conspirator, constructed a six-foot cross and burned it in an African-American neighborhood near Johntown Road in Ozark. The charges also accuse him of lying to local investigators in 2009 and federal investigators in 2012, providing false alibis and denying his KKK membership.
Pamela Morris, 45, faces separate counts of perjury for falsely denying her KKK involvement and knowledge of Dinkle’s activities. If convicted, Dinkle could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on some charges, while Morris could be sentenced to five years and the same fine.
This investigation is a collaborative effort between the FBI, Dale County Sheriff’s Office, and Ozark Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerusha T. Adams and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains are handling the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- Army Families Ripped Off: $31M Kickback · Mississippi
- Loxley Criminals Plead Guilty to Polysilicon Heist · Mississippi
- Brazoria County Drug Lord Sentenced To Over 22 Years · Mississippi
- Dogfight Ring Busted: 367 Pit Bulls Seized · Mississippi
- ‘White Boi’ Nabbed in $10M Treasury Check Scam · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News