FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2004 WWW.USDOJ.GOV CRT (202) 514-2008 TDD (202) 514-1888 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Justice Department today announced the sentencing of an Indianapolis, Indiana man for his role in a July 2000 cross burning.
Cross burning and racial intimidation have no place in America, said R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. We remain committed to vigorously prosecuting those who would perpetrate this hateful act. United States District Judge David F. Hamilton sentenced Jerry Dean Landis, who pleaded guilty on Apr. 14, to 18 months in prison. On July 1, 2000, Landis participated in the building and burning of a cross in the front yard of an African-American family in Indianapolis. Landis admitted that he and his associates took part in the cross burning in order to send a message to the family.
Civil rights crimes are among the most deplorable crimes my office prosecutes. All citizens are entitled to live free from oppression, threats and intimidation. The United States Attorneys Office will bring its full resources to ensure the successful prosecution of those who violate the civil rights of the citizens of this District, said Susan W. Brooks, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
This incident was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by attorneys from the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Indiana.
The Department of Justice continues to vigorously prosecute bias-motivated crimes, including cross burnings. Since 2001, the Department has prosecuted 29 cross burning cases, filing criminal civil rights charges against 46 defendants. 04-407
Source: US Department of Justice
