Salt Lake City, Utah - Two individuals from Payson, Utah, have been charged with a federal hate crime offense, as announced by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. The charges were filed on April 26 following the indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City.
The indictment alleges that Nathan Thomas, 22, and Sebastian West, 22, assaulted an individual identified by the initials D.J. based on D.J.'s actual and perceived race. The incident took place in Payson, Utah, and the charges indicate that the assault was motivated by hate.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office is leading the investigation into this case, working diligently to gather evidence and ensure a thorough examination of the alleged hate crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew Yeates and Andrea Martinez from the District of Utah, along with Trial Attorney Andrew Manns from the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case. Their aim is to pursue justice and hold the accused individuals accountable for their actions.
Hate crimes have a profound impact on individuals and communities, striking at the core of our values of equality and respect. The Department of Justice, in collaboration with its law enforcement partners, remains committed to addressing and combating hate crimes in order to protect the rights and safety of all individuals.
The defendants, Nathan Thomas and Sebastian West, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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