Jordan Patrick Leahy, Racially-Motivated Hate Crime, Florida 2024

A 29-year-old Florida man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a racially-motivated hate crime in Seminole, Florida.

Jordan Patrick Leahy was convicted of willfully intimidating and interfering with J.T. due to his race and color, and attempting to injure, intimidate and interfere with J.T. through the use of a dangerous weapon, his vehicle. Leahy’s vehicle was used to force J.T.’s car off the road, putting J.T.’s girlfriend and four-year-old daughter at risk.

When officers from the Pinellas County Sherriff’s Office arrived on the scene, Leahy made numerous statements evidencing his bias motive, including telling the officers that Black people need to be kept ‘in their areas.’

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated, ‘The federal court has sentenced Jordan Leahy to prison for his decision to weaponize his vehicle in a racist attack on J.T.’s family.’

U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg added, ‘Today’s sentence sends a clear message that racially-motivated criminal behavior is especially repugnant and unacceptable.’

The FBI Tampa Field Division and local law enforcement agencies investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlton Gammons and Trial Attorneys David Reese and Laura-Kate Bernstein prosecuted the case.

Leahy was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The case highlights the importance of enforcing civil rights laws and protecting communities from hate crimes.

The incident occurred on an unspecified date, but Leahy was sentenced in federal court in the Middle District of Florida on 2024. The city and state where the incident occurred is Seminole, Florida.

Defendant: Jordan Patrick Leahy

Criminal Charges: Willfully intimidating and interfering with J.T. due to his race and color, and attempting to injure, intimidate and interfere with J.T. through the use of a dangerous weapon, his vehicle.

City and State: Seminole, Florida

Date: 2024

Sentence: 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release

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