Selecting an attorney for legal cases is a very important decision. Please enter your information below to receive a Free Consultation from an attorney in your area:
Texas Civil Rights News
Two Men Plead Guilty In Kentucky Cross Burning Case
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Justice Department today announced that two men pleaded guilty to civil rights charges for their roles in a Burlington, Kentucky cross burning.
"Cross burning remains a vicious symbol of hatred," said R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "All American families have the right to live where they choose, undisturbed by such racist threats. This prosecution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this criminal conduct."
Matthew Scudder, of Florence, Kentucky, who was 18 at the time the crime was committed, and James Foster, of Independence, Kentucky, who was 19, admitted to conspiring to threaten and intimidate an African-American couple and their two children in order to drive them from their Burlington home. Scudder admitted that on July 2, 2004 he burned a wooden cross on the family's lawn. Foster admitted that he helped carry out the plan. A third defendant, who is a juvenile, is facing related federal charges.
"These defendants have taken responsibility for acts of prejudice and intimidation that are profoundly offensive," said Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "Thankfully, these types of hate-filled acts are rare in our community. But when they do occur, this office will diligently enforce our civil rights laws."
Scudder faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine for his role in the cross burning. Foster faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2004.
This case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Boone County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by attorneys from the Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Prosecuting bias-motivated violence has long been, and will continue to be, a priority for the Department of Justice. Since 2001, the Department has filed charges against 120 defendants in 76 cases of bias-motivated crimes. In the same period, it has prosecuted 47 defendants in 30 cross burning cases.
Definition:
Under EEO law, less favorable effect for one group than for another. Disparate or adverse impact results when policies and practices applied to all employees or applicants have a different and more inhibiting effect on one group than they do on another.
Reprisal/Retaliation
Definition:
A complaint may be filed by an individual who alleges restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or retaliation for raising a claim of discrimination; or for representing one who has alleged discrimination; or for advocating equal opportunity for others; or for acting as an EEO official in processing such complaints.
Underrepresention
Definition:
Inadequately represented in the work force of a particular activity. This term is used to describe the extent to which women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are represented in particular grade levels and job categories.
If you live in the following cities and need an Civil-Right attorney you should contact
our Civil-Right Attorney as soon as possible:
Alvin
Amarillo
Arlington
Austin
Baytown
Brownsville
Burleson
Carrollton
College Station
Cypress
Dallas
Del Rio
Desoto
Eagle Pass
Edinburg
El Paso
Flower Mound
Fort Worth
Friendswood
Garland
Grand Prairie
Grapevine
Harlingen
Houston
Irving
Katy
Laredo
League City
Lewisville
Mcallen
Mesquite
Mission
New Braunfels
North Richland Hills
Palestine
Pasadena
Pharr
Plano
Richardson
Richmond
Round Rock
San Antonio
San Benito
San Marcos
Seguin
Spring
Sugar Land
Victoria
Weslaco
Legal Disclaimers All attorney listings are a paid attorney advertisement, and do not in any way constitute a referral or endorsement by an approved or authorized lawyer referral service. The information provided on Texas Civil Rights Attorneys.com is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys
general information related to legal issues commonly encountered. Your access
to and use of this website is subject to additional Terms
and Conditions.
Local Professional? Generate new business today
Call 866-227-9356 or contact a sales rep
Did You Know?