Anthony Ruben Rodriguez, 39, of Modesto, was convicted of felony stalking and making criminal threats, with victims targeted based on their Hispanic ethnicity. One of the convictions is classified as a serious felony under California's 3-Strikes Law. The offenses took place between October and December 2024 and involved the distribution of flyers containing hate speech. The announcement was made by Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero.
Flyers posted by Rodriguez in the Parklawn neighborhood and other parts of Modesto prompted concerns from residents, especially in predominantly Latino areas. Community members raised the issue during a meeting, but no immediate action was taken. A joint investigation by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the Sheriff’s Office was later launched, which led to Rodriguez's arrest, as reported by the Stanislaus County District Attorney.
According to the Stanislaus County District Attorney on their Facebook page, Rodriguez was convicted for distributing flyers that exceeded the protections of the First Amendment. District Attorney Jeff Laugero stated, “We recognize that hate speech is deeply offensive and harms those it targets and those subjected to it,” but added, “However, under the First Amendment, some offensive flyers are protected speech.” Rodriguez's sentencing was scheduled for on Thursday, with fines to be donated to a local organization supporting victims of hate crimes. The case involved the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, Modesto Police Department, and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing the importance of promptly reporting hate incidents to law enforcement.
