Marin's Top Prosecutor Condemns Hate-Driven Incidents

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin’s top prosecutor is taking aim against hate.

Amid the recent surge of disturbing incidents, including the distribution of antisemitic fliers, District Attorney Lori Frugoli issued a statement Monday affirming the county’s commitment to making sure those trafficking in hate aren’t welcome in Marin.

“These incidents are revolting, and have no place in our community,” Frugoli said in a statement.

Local law enforcement agencies are investigating “hate-driven” incidents, and an investigator hired earlier this year by DA’s Office is tracking these incidents along with all reported incidents of hate in the county.

Investigator William Reid, who was hired in July, specializes in investigating cases involving hate crimes, Brown Act violations and community education and outreach, county officials said.

“Our hate crimes investigator is working with local law enforcement to document and track these incidents. And our team of veteran prosecutors will analyze the cases to determine whether crimes have been committed.”

Prosecutors can only file charges in cases in which it believes a crime can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The DA’s Office's Hate Crime webpage explains the legal distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents.

A hate crime involves the targeting of a victim based on their membership in a protected social group.

Hate incidents typically involve insults or the public display of hateful ideology, but may not be criminal.

“Hate crimes are serious crimes that may result in imprisonment or jail time,” the agency said on its website.

“A hate incident is an action or behavior motivated by hate but which, for one or more reasons, is not a crime.”

Anyone who believes they are a victim or has witnessed a hate crime or incident is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.

The District Attorney’s Office also maintains a hate crime hotline at (415)473-2585, which is monitored daily and has information in Spanish and English.