Suspect in anti-gay hate crime at DFW Airport faces $1,000 fine, no jail time

[TexasTowelie]

McCleish Christmas Benham

DFW Airport police released their report Tuesday on the arrest of a man who attacked other passengers in an apparent anti-gay hate crime on Oct. 23 near Gate C-30.

After the man assaulted two people while yelling anti-gay epithets, other passengers tackled him to the ground before police arrived. Video of the attack filmed by a bystander went viral after being posted online.

According to the report obtained by Lone Star Q, the man’s name is McCleish Christmas Benham, 27, of Shelbyville, Tennessee. He is currently charged with public intoxication and simple assault, both class-C misdemeanors each punishable by a maximum $500 fine, but no jail time.

However, if prosecutors choose to utilize Texas’ hate crimes law, they could enhance the assault charge to a class-B misdemeanor. Class-B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine.

Read more: http://www.lonestarq.com/breaking-suspect-in-anti-gay-hate-crime-at-dfw-airport-faces-1000-fine-no-jail-time/

Cross-posted in the LGBT Group.

[TexasTowelie]

1. The good news is

that he is not from Texas!

[Bluenorthwest]

2. His last name is shared with some other infamous bigots like Flip Benham and the twins

nt

[Warpy]

3. Kicking somebody is assault

Texas has gone completely nuts and this oaf is just one of many.

It doesn't matter than he's a moron from Tennessee. I'm convinced there's some pollutant in the air in Texas that makes me need to take a convenient dump on Texas when I change planes there and makes otherwise silent bigots act out.

[TexasTowelie]

4. If you will read the arrest report it indicates that he also verbally assaulted

a ticket agent who was a black female. It's also breast cancer awareness month and the man could have worn the pink shirt in observance. BTW, it was some Texans like that cowboy that took the fool to the ground. You're in the Texas group so don't bash this state in our group. Thanks.

[Warpy]

5. You're correct in that some were Texans who took him down

and said they didn't want to put up with that crap. Kudos to them, really. I do love to see violent bigots taken down and humiliated and turned over to the cops.

And yes, I know many fine lefties there. You're just outnumbered at present.

Just forgive me for being greatly disappointed at the plea bargain. I hope the fine is the maximum but it's likely to be a tap on the wrist.

[TexasTowelie]

6. Please note that a plea bargain has not been reached.

However, if prosecutors choose to utilize Texas’ hate crimes law, they could enhance the assault charge to a class-B misdemeanor. Class-B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine.

Benham could also face separate, federal hate crime charges under the the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, which President Barack Obama signed five years ago this week.

DFW Airport spokeswoman Cynthia Vega said Tuesday afternoon the incident remains under investigation. Vega said the case could go to either the Dallas or Tarrant County district attorney’s office.

Pete Schulte, an openly gay Dallas criminal defense attorney and former police officer, said he was surprised the charges are so light. Schulte said Benham could have been charged with a class-A misdemeanor.

In addition, he still faces the prospect of civil charges for the injuries he caused. I think that the charges will escalate upon further investigation. I also need to correct myself--the ticket agent was not an African-American (I read American Airlines too quickly).

[redruddyred]

7. what about ex-texans?

can we bash the state?

(lots of frustration here)

[TexasTowelie]

8. There is no such thing as an ex-Texan,

we call them traitors instead!

[redruddyred]

9. I sincerely hope that that is very deep sarcasm!

[TexasTowelie]

11. I was joking, of course.

I also have no objection if you want to vilify the conservative majority that are in this state.

[redruddyred]

12. just give me a platform

and I'm your girl.

[redruddyred]

10. imo this guy is learning disabled and possibly mildly psychotic

and probably deserves further examination, rather than criminal charges.

/unpopular opinion

[LeftInTX]

13. Looks like he's still out of it during his mugshot