Shepherd Hoehn, Hate Crime and Unlawful Firearm Possession, Indiana 2020

Indianapolis man pleads guilty to hate crime and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Shepherd Hoehn, a 51-year-old Indianapolis resident, pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats to intimidate and interfere with his neighbor, who is black, because of the neighbor’s race and because the neighbor was exercising his right to fair housing, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 3631. Hoehn also pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on June 18, 2020, a construction crew began working at the direction of Hoehn’s neighbor to remove a tree from the neighbor’s property. Upon learning of the tree removal, Hoehn became angry and took several steps to threaten, intimidate and interfere with his neighbor and the construction workers. Specifically, Hoehn placed and burned a cross above the fence line facing his neighbor’s property; created and displayed a swastika on the outer side of his fence, facing his neighbor’s property; created and displayed a large sign containing a variety of anti-Black racial slurs next to the swastika; visibly displayed a machete near the sign with the racial slurs; loudly played the song “Dixie” on repeat; and threw eggs at his neighbor’s house.

On July 1, 2020, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Hoehn’s home. During the search, several firearms and drug paraphernalia were located.

“Hoehn’s hateful and threatening conduct, motivated by racial intolerance, is an egregious crime that will not be tolerated by the Justice Department,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pam Karlan of the Civil Rights Division. “Every person has a right to occupy, enjoy and feel safe in their homes, regardless of race, color or national origin. We will continue to protect the civil rights of all individuals and vigorously prosecute hate crime cases.”

Hoehn faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the charged offenses. His sentencing date has not been set at this time.

Individuals who believe they may have been a victim of a civil rights violation can learn how to report violations to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Coordinator, Jeffrey D. Preston, at 317-226-6333, or the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Coordinator in Washington D.C. at 855-856-1247 (toll free) or 202-514-3827.

Defendant: Shepherd Hoehn

Criminal Charges: Making threats to intimidate and interfere with his neighbor, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 3631, and unlawfully possessing firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)

City and State: Indianapolis, Indiana

Date: June 18, 2020 (crime date) and July 1, 2020 (arrest date)

Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded guilty, sentencing date not set

Dollar Amounts: $250,000 (fine)

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