26-year-old Brandon Cory LeCroy from Hodges (SC) was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to hire a member of the Ku Klux Klan to kill his black neighbor.
According to prosecutors, LeCroy admitted that he wanted to hire a Hitman who, after killing the man (the victim referred to in court by the initials «F. J.») had to hang it on the tree and leave a burning cross in the yard.
Brandon Corey LeCroy.
The FBI agent, pretending to be a hired killer, contacted Lecrae, who told him: «$500 — and he’s a Ghost». The customer sent a «killer» destination images, as well as to specify the desired time of the murder.
«LeCroy provided (agent) additional information about when best to commit murder, and also said that he plans to take the property of the victim stated in the criminal complaint. — LeCroy said that in the future he will have even more work».
After LeCroy sent to the agent an advance of $100, they took him into custody.
April 11, judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced the man to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison — for a crime of hate.
«It is one thing to think about, but to harm another is a crime,» said Hendricks during sentencing.
Last year the FBI said that from 2016 to 2017, the number of reported crimes motivated by hate increased by 17%. Victims often do not believe that statements to the police will help them, why not report the harassment.
