Montgomery, Alabama – Pamela Morris, the former secretary of a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Ozark, has pleaded guilty to committing perjury during a grand jury’s investigation into a racially motivated cross-burning. The event took place on May 8, 2009, at the entrance to an African-American neighborhood in Ozark, aimed at intimidating residents.
Morris, 46, admitted in plea documents that she lied to a federal grand jury investigating the act committed by her son, Steven Joshua Dinkle, and another KKK member, Thomas Smith. Morris’s false statements included denying her role as chapter secretary and any involvement with the Klan.
By pleading guilty, Morris confessed to being an officer of the KKK and falsely testifying to prevent the grand jury from discovering information about other KKK members. She faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Steven Dinkle pleaded guilty to hate crime and obstruction of justice charges in 2014, receiving a 24-month prison sentence. His co-conspirator, Thomas Smith, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with housing rights and was scheduled for sentencing on August 19, 2014.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels emphasized the department’s commitment to holding accountable those who commit and obstruct investigations into such crimes. U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. highlighted the importance of honesty under oath for the justice system to protect all rights.
This case is being investigated by the FBI with support from the Dale County Sheriff’s Office and the Ozark Police Department, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerusha T. Adams and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains.
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Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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