Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Culver City Hate Crime Assault

Jesse Allen Lindsey Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime Charge

A previously homeless man, 38-year-old Jesse Allen Lindsey, has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for an unprovoked racially motivated assault on an Asian American woman in Culver City.

Unprovoked Attack

Around 1 a.m. on June 14, 2021, Lindsey started following a woman as she walked to work, hurling racial slurs in her direction and telling her, "You don’t belong here." He then punched her in the side of the head, knocking her to the ground as he yelled, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, b****!”

Injuries and Consequences

The bloodied victim suffered injuries to her head and ear that required stitches, was unable to work for a month, and experienced "years of psychological trauma," according to the United States Department of Justice.

Lindsey’s Arrest and Sentence

Lindsey eventually fled the state after the attack made headlines. He was ultimately arrested years later after he was found to be already in custody on an unrelated crime. He’s been in federal custody for the assault since July 2024, DOJ officials said.

Lindsey’s Defense

During an interview with law enforcement, Lindsey admitted to striking the woman, but claimed it was in self-defense, continuing with the racial epithets and stereotypes and calling the victim a "mouthy," "little Asian person" that looked like a "gangbanger." He also apparently told authorities that he pre-emptively attacked the victim so she couldn’t pull "some Jet Li [expletive]," referencing the famed Chinese martial arts actor.

Sentencing

The DOJ emphasized that not only was the victim a middle-aged woman, but Lindsey is a foot taller than her and more than twice her weight. Prosecutors said he has a long criminal record, including 13 prior convictions for firearms and narcotics offenses, domestic battery, and attempted extortion. He’s also been arrested or contacted by law enforcement at least 19 times, and has 14 times violated his probations or pretrial release.

The sentencing judge said his serious criminal record was considered when determining a punishment for the "shocking and horrible crime." Ultimately, he was sentenced to 51 months in prison.

Investigation

The case was investigated by the FBI with "substantial assistance" from the Culver City Police Department.

Conclusion

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of hate crimes and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The victim in this case suffered severe physical and emotional harm, and it is only fitting that the perpetrator is being held responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the nature of the attack?
  The attack was a racially motivated assault on an Asian American woman in Culver City.
• What was Jesse Allen Lindsey’s defense?
  Lindsey claimed the attack was in self-defense, but this claim was not believed by authorities.
• What was the outcome of the case?
  Lindsey was sentenced to 51 months in prison for the hate crime.
• Who investigated the case?
  The FBI investigated the case with substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department.