A Michigan man now faces a federal hate crime charge over an alleged attack on a Black teenager at a state park.
According to prosecutors and local reports, the incident happened in June at William C. Sterling State Park in Monroe County. Devin, an 18 year old, and two friends were walking to the parking lot playing music when they were approached by Lee, a 42 year old white man. Witnesses told investigators he yelled racial slurs at the teens and said they had no right to be on the public beach.
Prosecutors allege Lee became angry about the music, went to his vehicle and returned with a chain bike lock. Witnesses say he swung it at Devin’s face, and that he swung again after Devin fell but missed. Devin was rushed to the hospital and lost at least three teeth, according to reports.
Lee was first charged at the state level in Monroe County, and those assault charges are still pending. This week the U.S. Department of Justice announced a federal hate crime charge. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said the allegations “essentially amount to violent and blatant racism.” If convicted on the federal charge, Lee faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
A lawyer for Lee had not publicly responded to the federal charge in the coverage we reviewed. These are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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