Courts
“Hate crime” element added in court case charging harassment of transgender teen in La Crosse park
The alleged harassment of two juveniles in a La Crosse park last month because one was transgender led to much criticism in the community, including comments by Mayor Mitch Reynolds.
The mayor called for the state to allow such behavior to be tried as a “hate crime.”
Suspect Travis Crawford was in court on Thursday, and his attorney Tom Locante asked for a delay because of a new twist in the case…the filing of a proposed hate crime enhancer to a charge of substantial battery.
That could lead to up to 5 years in prison if Crawford is convicted.
Crawford is suspected of verbally abusing a juvenile couple in Copeland Park, a male and a transgender female. He’s charged with battery for reportedly kicking the male in the face.
Crawford’s preliminary hearing has been postponed until August 12th.