Suspect Faces Up to Ten Years in Federal Prison
A federal grand jury has indicted Jesse Allen Lindsey, 37, on hate crime charges for allegedly assaulting an Asian American woman in Culver City while shouting racial slurs at her. Lindsey, who is currently in state prison for an unrelated conviction, was charged with one count of committing a hate crime, a felony that could result in up to 10 years in federal prison.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada condemned the attack. “Hate-fueled violence has no place in our society,” Estrada said. “We live in one of the most diverse areas of the country, and that diversity brings us strength. Our community will stay united in condemning intolerance, and my office will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who harm others on account of bigotry.”
Krysti Hawkins, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, highlighted the victim’s innocence. “The victim in this case was simply minding her own business when she was verbally abused and violently attacked based on nothing more than her appearance. The FBI is committed to the protection of civil rights in the United States and will hold accountable anyone so driven by hatred that they would target innocent people based on their race.”
According to the indictment, the incident occurred around 1 a.m. on June 14, 2021. The victim was walking to work in Culver City when Lindsey, a white man, asked her for a lighter or cigarette. After she said she did not smoke, Lindsey allegedly followed her, calling her a “Korean” and shouting racial slurs. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Lindsey yelling at the victim, punching her in the head, and continuing to hurl racial slurs as she lay injured in the street.
The victim was hospitalized and required approximately 11 stitches. She suffered head and ear injuries, was unable to work for a month, and experienced ongoing pain for a year, according to the indictment.
Following news reports that the incident was being investigated as a hate crime, Lindsey fled California, the indictment states.
Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims emphasized the city’s commitment to safety and inclusivity. “The community we serve is rich in cultural diversity, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all. Hate has no place in Culver City. I am extremely proud of the work done by the Culver City Police Department to identify and locate the suspect responsible for this violent hate crime. In partnership with the FBI, we are not only seeking justice for the innocent victim in this case, but also underscoring that this type of heinous crime will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
Lindsey is expected to appear in federal court in the coming weeks. The FBI, with substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department, is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson is prosecuting.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
