The Justice Division introduced that Axel C. Cox, 23, has been charged with hate crime and arson violations for burning a cross in his entrance yard to threaten, intrude with and intimidate a Black household in Gulfport, Mississippi.

In response to court docket paperwork, Cox is charged with one rely of prison interference with the correct to truthful housing and one rely of utilizing fireplace to commit a federal felony.

The indictment alleges that on Dec. 3, 2020, Cox threatened, intimidated and interfered with a Black household’s enjoyment of their housing rights. In response to the indictment, Cox burned a cross in his entrance yard, and used threatening and racially derogatory remarks towards his Black neighbors.

If convicted, Cox faces as much as 10 years in jail for interfering with the victims’ housing rights and a compulsory minimal of 10 years in jail, consecutive to every other sentence, for utilizing fireplace to commit a federal felony. Cox additionally faces a effective of as much as $250,000 with respect to every cost.

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