54-Year-Old Man Charged with Hate Crime Assault
A brutal hate crime assault has shaken the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to a federal indictment, Jeffrey Allen Burgess, a 54-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, has been charged with violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
On November 22, 2016, Burgess allegedly willfully caused bodily injury to A.M. because of A.M.’s perceived race, color, and national origin, violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, alleges that Burgess intentionally targeted A.M. because of their perceived characteristics. This horrific act of violence has left the community in shock.
Burgess faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both if convicted. This severe punishment serves as a reminder of the gravity of hate crimes and the need for justice.
The FBI and the Bethel Park Police Department are leading the investigation into this heinous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Rachael L. Dizard, along with Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Tona Boyd, are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and Burgess is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The prosecution will now work to build a case against Burgess, seeking justice for the victim and the community affected by this hate crime.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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