Quantcast

LEGAL NEWSLINE

Friday, September 20, 2024

Kentucky man sentenced for federal hate crime targeting children online

Attorneys & Judges
Webp l4917bur9qnb76zhtvl5i37dld19

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland & Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco | https://www.justice.gov/agencies/chart/map

A Kentucky man pleaded guilty and was sentenced last week to one year and one day in prison, along with one year of supervised release, for committing a federal hate crime. The sentencing took place in the District of Eastern Louisiana.

According to court documents, Brian Adams, 24, of Paintsville, Kentucky, transmitted a threat to a fifth-grade class at the Laureate Academy Charter School on or about October 14, 2020. At the time, the school was conducting classes virtually over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adams used racial epithets against students and teachers and threatened to “hang them by a tree.” He pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threatening communications. The court determined that Adams’ actions were motivated by hate.

“This prosecution should make clear that perpetrators of hate crimes hiding behind computer screens, hacking into teleconferences and disrupting virtual meetings will be held accountable. The defendant used racial epithets and threats against innocent children who were simply trying to get an education,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No child should ever have to endure racially motivated hatred like this in a classroom, a school or anywhere else. The Justice Department is committed to protecting children from such hate-filled assaults and to safeguarding their right to a safe and secure education.”

“Citizens should not fear threats based on their race at any time and especially for students while pursuing their education,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement to ensure hate crimes are investigated, prosecuted and ultimately hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.”

“Hate has no place in our country, especially in a fifth-grade classroom,” said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Protecting the rights of all Americans under the Constitution is at the heart of the FBI's mission.”

The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecuted it with assistance from Trial Attorney Mary Hahn of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

More News