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 Texas Group.

[TexasTowelie]

1. The good news is

that he is not from Texas!

[LostOne4Ever]

2. +INFINITY! (nt)