California man charged with hate crimes for focusing on 14 saree-clad Hindu girls | World News

At the least 14 Hindu girls within the US state of California have been attacked by a person who additionally ripped their jewelry in a spate of hate crimes, authorities mentioned.

In response to the Santa Clara County District Lawyer’s Workplace, 37-year-old Lathan Johnson reportedly focused older Hindu girls and tore necklaces off their necks throughout a two-month crime spree that started in June.

Johnson, a Palo Alto resident, stole necklaces from his victims earlier than making off in a getaway car. He additionally damage the ladies within the course of, significantly these between 50 and 73, reported ABC7 News.

He was accused of forcefully eradicating jewelry from the necks of the ladies. In a single such occasion, he reportedly pushed a lady to the bottom earlier than punching her husband within the face, ripping off her necklace, and leaping inside a getaway automobile. In one other such case, a lady’s wrist was damaged throughout the assault, the report added.

Johnson was apprehended by the Santa Clara Police Division and the US Marshal’s Workplace, though the Milpitas Police Division was the primary to hyperlink him to the crimes. He was related to a getaway automobile by them.

If convicted, Johnson will face a most jail time period of 63 years. The subsequent listening to within the case will happen on November 4. The entire stolen necklaces are estimated to be price roughly USD 35,000.

The District Lawyer’s workplace acknowledged that the majority the victims have been carrying a saree, bindi, or different sorts of ethnic apparel after they have been attacked. The vast majority of the incidents, which started in June, occurred in San Jose, Milpitas, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara.

Jeff Rosen, the district legal professional for Santa Clara County, mentioned he's dedicated to in search of punishment for anybody who attacked others due to their nationality or ethnicity.

Rosen mentioned, “I say to our South Asian group that anybody who targets and assaults you'll be arrested and handled the utmost severity underneath our regulation”. Rosen additionally acknowledged that the treasured variety of Santa Clara County will not be a prison alternative however relatively a power and superpower.

“We face an uptick in hate crimes and on-line Hinduphobia. Seeing that we’re making progress in prosecuting to the fullest, sends a robust message,” mentioned Samir Kalra, a member of the Hindu American Basis.

The Santa Clara District Lawyer’s Workplace had earlier filed theft and hate crime prices in opposition to a bunch of males in late 2021 after they allegedly preyed on Asian girls whereas on a rampage of purse snatching. These proceedings are nonetheless pending. PTI AMS AKJ AMS