Credit: Friends of Tina Davis
Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan announced the launch of the Hate Crimes Roundtable Series, inviting leaders from religious, racial, and ethnic communities across Bucks County to discuss solutions for preventing and addressing hate crimes
The announcement comes on the heels of the arrest Robert Maschock Jr., 61, of Point Pleasant who was charged with a felony count of ethnic intimidation and related charges after he sent death threats, anti-Muslim texts, and violent racial slurs to a church leader and community members, according to court records.
The Safe from Hate Roundtable Series seeks to open direct communication between the District Attorney’s Office and local community leaders to ensure that hate crimes are prevented when possible, properly reported, thoroughly investigated, and appropriately addressed by the District Attorney’s Office.
“We’re going to utilize every tool at our disposal to provide justice and safety for victims of hate crimes,” said DA Khan. “At a time when people are increasingly feeling at risk because of who they are, our Office is committed to ensuring that each and every member of our community knows that their DA will fight to keep them safe.”
The Lower Bucks Roundtable will be held at the Peace Center in Langhorne on September 29 at 3 pm. The Central Bucks Roundtable will take place at Delaware Valley University on October 19 at 3 pm. The Upper Bucks Roundtable will take place in November on a date yet be determined. Each roundtable will feature a diverse group of participants and will be live-streamed for the public.
Pennsylvania also have the authority to go to civil court to obtain equitable relief on behalf of victims of ethnic intimidation, a power that has rarely if ever been utilized.