Man Gets Prison Time for Noose

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Robert Jackson, 37, pleaded guilty June 24 on a charge of violating the Fair Housing Act by intimidating and interfering with another’s housing rights because of race. {snip}

According to court testimony, the victim and her children arrived home June 13, 2008, and found a hangman’s noose suspended from a bird-feeder underneath the carport of their home. The victim and her family relocated to Ruston from New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Jackson later admitted placing the noose there in order “to send a message” to African-American males who visited the home.

“A noose is an unmistakable symbol of hate in our country, and using this symbol to intimidate a family will not be tolerated,” said Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general of the civil rights division. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute those who resort to violent acts motivated by hate.”

U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana said when a noose is used to interfere with federally protected rights, her office will prosecute.

“The victim and her family sought nothing more than to live in their home peacefully,” Finley said.

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Jackson also was ordered upon his release from prison to attend anger management and culture diversity programs as well as being sentenced to one year of supervised release.