A Southern California man is facing a hate crime charge after a federal grand jury indicted him for an attack on an Asian American woman, which involved racial slurs and a physical assault in Culver City, as announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Jesse Allen Lindsey, 37, with a last known address in Fontana, is accused of punching the woman, causing severe injuries, according to an official statement from the Department of Justice.
The alleged hate crime incident occurred on June 14, 2021, where Lindsey reportedly followed and assaulted the victim after yelling derogatory remarks, per the indictment; surveillance footage captured the violent scene as she toppled into the street after the punch to her head and even while on the ground Lindsey continued his verbal assault. United States Attorney Martin Estrada commented, “Hate-fueled violence has no place in our society,” emphasizing the community’s strength found in its diversity, along with a strong condemnation of intolerance.
Lindsey, currently in state prison for a separate offense, may face up to ten years in federal prison if convicted of the hate crime — this attack left the victim with a facial wound that required stitches, head and ear injuries, and put her out of work for a month, causing sustained discomfort for a year, the indictment further reveals citing medical records and victim statements. The U.S Attorney's office notes that when Lindsey discovered the authorities were treating the case as a hate crime, he tried to evade California law enforcement.
Culver City’s Chief of Police, Jason Sims, stated “Hate has no place in Culver City,” proud of the local police's collaborative work with the FBI to capture Lindsey, to uphold justice, and to reinforce the message that such actions are unacceptable in their community. Lindsey is expected to address these charges in federal court soon, and while the indictment marks only allegations, the accused’s innocence stands until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by due legal process. The FBI is leading the investigation into the case, with significant support from the Culver City Police Department, culminating in this charge.
Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson from the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is assigned to the prosecution of the case. Individuals with further interest in the progression of this legal matter and the official statements released can contact Ciaran McEvoy, the Public Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
