Gary Moss, Civil Rights Violation, Oregon 2009

Two Oregon men have been sentenced for their role in a federal hate crime that targeted a family with two small children. On May 26, 2008, Gary Moss, 37, poured a flammable liquid in the shape of a cross and the letters ‘KKK’ on the front lawn of a residence leased by an African-American man, his Hispanic wife, and their two small children.

Moss was sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison for conspiring to deprive individuals of their civil rights. His co-conspirator, Devan Klausegger, 30, was sentenced to serve 51 months for the same charge. Both defendants were ordered to serve three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $3,107.

The incident occurred in Oregon and was investigated by Special Agent Adam Marre of the Medford Division of the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William (Bud) Fitzgerald and Trial Attorney Roy Conn III of the Civil Rights Division.

According to their plea agreements, Moss and Klausegger acted with the intent to interfere with the victims’ rights under the Fair Housing Act because they knew that the person who leased the residence was African American.

U.S. Attorney Immergut stated, ‘Crimes motivated by racial hatred are an abomination in a civilized society. We hope that the sentences imposed today will deter others from engaging in similar conduct.’

Loretta King, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, added, ‘Americans should be free to live in a home of their choosing, free from threats of bigotry and intimidation. The Civil Rights Division will prosecute those who commit such despicable acts of hatred to the full extent of the law.’

Moss and Klausegger were sentenced in February 2009. The crime occurred on May 26, 2008, in Oregon. The exact date of sentencing is not specified in the source but is included in the mandatory facts below.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Gary Moss, Devan Klausegger
Criminal Charge: Conspiring to deprive individuals of their civil rights
City and State: Oregon
Crime Date: May 26, 2008
Sentence: Gary Moss – 41 months in federal prison, Devan Klausegger – 51 months in federal prison
Restitution: $3,107

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