Related Federal Cases
Noose Terrorizes Family in Ruston
A disturbing act of hate has shaken the community in Ruston, Louisiana, where a local man has been sentenced for a federal hate crime. Robert Jackson, 37, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for placing a hangman’s noose under the carport of a Honduran immigrant’s home.
The victim, a Honduran immigrant who moved to Ruston from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and her children arrived home on June 13, 2008, to find the noose suspended from a bird-feeder underneath the carport of their home. Jackson admitted to hanging the noose in order “to send a message” to African-American males who visited the victim’s home.
The case dates back to 2008, when Jackson committed the heinous act. He eventually entered a guilty plea on June 24, 2010, to violating the Fair Housing Act by intimidating and interfering with another’s housing rights because of race. Today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes handed down the sentence in Monroe, Louisiana.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez stated, “A noose is an unmistakable symbol of hate in our country, and using this symbol to intimidate a family will not be tolerated.” He added, “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute those who resort to violent acts motivated by hate.”
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley also spoke out against the crime, saying, “When a noose is used to interfere with federally protected rights, it is a crime which will be prosecuted by this office. The victim and her family sought nothing more than to live in their home peacefully. Everyone should feel safe in their homes without being subjected to hateful acts.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, Monroe Resident Agency, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick and Trial Attorney Myesha Braden of the Civil Rights Division. Jackson was also sentenced to one year of supervised release upon his release from prison.
Robert Jackson’s sentence serves as a reminder that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our communities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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