Hate Crime Charges Dropped Against 12 Salisbury University Students Accused of Attacking Man Over Sexual Orientation
Preliminary Hearings Lead to Reduced Charges and Suspended Trials
Twelve of the 15 Salisbury University students accused of attacking and beating a man in Maryland because of his sexual orientation had their hate crime and first-degree assault charges dismissed, court records show.
The students, aged 18-21, were arrested in October after allegedly punching, kicking, spitting on, and calling a man derogatory names after luring him into an off-campus apartment under false pretenses. They originally faced several charges, including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, and associated hate crime charges.
Reduced Charges and Suspended Trials
As of Sunday, court records show that 12 of the accused students are only facing a charge of false imprisonment and had their felony first-degree assault charge downgraded to a misdemeanor second-degree assault. The remaining three students, including Zachary Leinemann, 18, and Elijah Johnson, 19, face more severe charges, including hate crime and first-degree assault.
Attorneys’ Reactions
Steve Rakow, an attorney for one of the students, Riley Brister, said, "While still serious charges, this never was a hate crime and certainly was never a felony first-degree assault." Rakow added, "As of now, my client maintains his innocence. Should the state make a plea offer in this case, we’ll evaluate that and make a decision on whether to accept the plea or go to trial."
Court Schedules and Statements
Trials for Brister and nine other students are scheduled for January 29, while trials for Antone and Pietuszka are set for January 23 and 24, respectively. Leinemann and Johnson’s cases have been moved to the Wicomico County Circuit Court, where they will face false imprisonment and hate crime charges. Logan Clark, 19, is still facing multiple assault charges and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
University Statement
Salisbury University has suspended the accused students and continues to monitor the cases as the due process of the law takes its course. The university remains committed to maintaining safe and welcoming spaces for its students, employees, and the greater community.
Conclusion
The reduction of charges against 12 of the accused students raises questions about the severity of the original allegations and the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing hate crimes. As the cases continue to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the remaining three students will face more severe penalties and what consequences the university will take against the suspended students.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the alleged assault?
A: The victim was allegedly lured to an off-campus apartment under false pretenses, where he was punched, kicked, and spit on by a group of college-aged men who also called him derogatory names.
Q: What were the original charges against the accused students?
A: The original charges included first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, and associated hate crime charges.
Q: What are the current charges against the accused students?
A: 12 of the students are facing a charge of false imprisonment, while the remaining three students face more severe charges, including hate crime and first-degree assault.
Q: What is the status of the university’s response to the alleged incident?
A: The university has suspended the accused students and continues to monitor the cases as the due process of the law takes its course. The university remains committed to maintaining safe and welcoming spaces for its students, employees, and the greater community.
