Preston Q. Howard, Hate Crimes, Missouri 2023

A Wright City, Missouri man, Preston Q. Howard, 50, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for obstructing persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 247(a)(2).

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, between June 22, 2017, and August 8, 2017, Howard made numerous telephone calls to the Islamic Society of Augusta (ISA), during which he threatened to 'kill,' 'bomb,' 'shoot,' 'behead,' 'slaughter,' 'execute,' 'light on fire,' and 'murder' members of the mosque, to 'hunt down' and 'zone in' on Muslims, and to 'blow up the mosque.'

Howard admitted committing these acts and obstructing or attempting to obstruct the mosque members' free exercise of their religious beliefs.

The FBI Atlanta Field Division investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Greenwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States, in consultation with the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division.

Howard was ordered to pay almost $30,000 in restitution to cover the costs of upgraded security and off-duty officers hired by the ISA in response to his threats.

The case serves as a reminder that threats of violence based on religious beliefs have no place in our country. The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect our houses of worship and ensure that members of all faiths may worship in peace and without intimidation.

Preston Q. Howard, 50, of Wright City, Missouri, was sentenced on today by Chief United States District Court Judge J. Randal Hall to 24 months in prison for obstructing persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 247(a)(2).

Defendant: Preston Q. Howard

Criminal Charges: Obstructing persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 247(a)(2).

City and State: Wright City, Missouri

Date: today

Sentence: 24 months in prison

Dollar Amount: $30,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/missouri-man-sentenced-two-years-hate-crimes