Dec 26, 2024 Story by: Editor
ST. LOUIS – A federal indictment has been unsealed against 62-year-old Darryl Jaspering of Warrenton, Missouri, accusing him of sending threatening messages to the St. Louis office of the NAACP.
The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that Jaspering allegedly used the contact page of the St. Louis NAACP’s website to deliver messages containing racially charged threats of physical harm. The indictment states that Jaspering’s communication aimed to “intimidate and interfere with” NAACP employees based on their race and color.
In his message, Jaspering is accused of threatening to use a dangerous weapon.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Jaspering faces two charges:
- Transmitting threatening communications, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
- Interference with federally protected activities, which could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
NAACP President’s Response
Adolphus Pruitt, President of the St. Louis NAACP, described the message as a “monologue full of racial aptness, threats to create bodily harm, and even negative connotations about Black leadership in the city.” Pruitt expressed concerns about the rise in hate-fueled behavior, stating, “We are in this environment where people are acting out of hate. So we don’t take what somebody says verbally…we approach it as if it’s something they may carry out no matter how they try to position it.”
Hate Crimes on the Rise
Hate crimes remain a significant issue nationwide. According to the Department of Justice, over 52 percent of hate crimes reported in 2023 were racially motivated. In Missouri alone, more than 100 racial hate crimes are reported annually.
Ongoing Efforts for Justice
While the indictment against Jaspering sends a strong message, Pruitt emphasized that more needs to be done. He pointed to the NAACP’s ongoing efforts, including a civil rights complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education regarding low literacy rates among Black and Brown communities.
This case underscores the persistent challenges in combating hate crimes and ensuring justice for marginalized communities. Source: FOX2 News
