A Missouri man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly making racially motivated threats against the St. Louis office of the NAACP. Darryl Jaspering, 62, from Warrenton, could possibly face a significant prison sentence and hefty fines if convicted of the charges.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Jaspering is accused of having transmitted a message through the organization's contact page containing racially charged language. The indictment alleges that with this message, he "intimidated and interfered with and attempted to intimidate and interfere with" NAACP employees. This was allegedly done because of their race and color, and included a threat to employ a dangerous weapon.
The charges laid out include one count of transmitting threatening communications and one count of interference with federally protected activities. The former charge carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The latter can lead to a maximum of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
Jaspering's indictments were announced by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Field Office. Despite the severity of the charges, it must be remembered that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Jaspering is considered innocent until proven to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI St. Louis Field Office is responsible for investigating the case against Jaspering. Prosecution is in the hands of Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug of the Eastern District of Missouri, and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section.
