A Smyrna man by the name of Hai Chrit will appear in court to file a plea this July in regards to a charge of "Civil Rights Intimidation." Smyrna Police Officer Connie Mangrum told WGNS News, "Mr. Hai Chrit was charged with Civil rights intimidation due to waiting outside of an apartment for hours. Once the resident exited the apartment, they were physically assaulted."
A Civil Rights Intimidation charge is filed when a person intimidates another from exercising their civil rights. To be found guilty of such a crime, the state must prove that Mr. Chrit injured the victim with the intent to unlawfully intimidate the person from free exercise or in this case, leaving their home freely.
Chrit, who is 18-years old, remains behind bars at this time. He will file his plea on July 26, 2016 before Judge Royce Taylor. If he is convicted of the class D felony, he could be sentenced to spend 2 to 12 years in prison. Chrit also faces a number of other charges.
Full List of Charges that Chrit Faces:
- Aggravated Assault
- Retaliation for Past Action
- Civil Rights Intimidation
- Evading Arrest
- Assault
- Consumption of Alcohol Under Age 21
- Public Intoxication