Javon Hardy, Rioting, New York 2020
Rochester Man Sentenced for Burning Mobile Office Trailer
A 25-year-old Rochester man has been sentenced to prison for his role in burning a mobile office trailer during civil unrest in 2020. Javon Hardy pleaded guilty to rioting and was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Hardy was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,504.
On May 30, 2020, Hardy participated in a public protest near the Public Safety Building in Rochester. The gathering turned violent, resulting in significant property damage and looting. Hardy approached a mobile office trailer and lit an object inside, which started a fire. The burning of the trailer was captured on Facebook Live, which streamed the incident on the internet.
The mobile office trailer was completely destroyed by fire. Hardy exclaimed 'Let that (expletive) burn,' and 'If it's not on fire, I didn't do my job.' The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rochester Police Department, the Gates Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Rochester Fire Department.
Hardy was one of 16 defendants charged in connection with violent protests that occurred in Rochester and Buffalo during a period of civil unrest in 2020. He is the first to be sentenced to prison. U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy stated that while his office will protect every individual's right to free speech, they will also protect public safety by holding law breakers accountable for their criminal conduct.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory handled the case. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, the New York Field Division.
Mandatory Facts:
1. Defendant/Respondent Real Full Name: Javon Hardy
2. Exact Criminal Charges: Rioting
3. City and State: Rochester, New York
4. Exact Date: May 30, 2020
5. Sentence or Outcome: 12 months in prison, restitution of $14,504
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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