Hate Crime Charges Against NH White Mountains Hotel Worker

JACKSON, NH — A New Hampshire hotel worker in the White Mountains was charged with hate crimes after authorities this week said she assaulted two patrons because of their religion. Priscilla Protasowicki, age 32, of Jackson, was charged with two counts of assault, hate-crime related.

"Protasowicki, while working at the Covered Bridge Riverview Lodge in Jackson, assaulted two patrons in an effort to remove them from the establishment because of their religion and perceived national origin," New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said in a statement. "The charge of simple assault subject to the hate-crime enhancement carries a possible maximum sentence of five years in the New Hampshire State Prison."

Protasowicki was indicted in Carroll County Superior Court July 20, meaning a grand jury determined a trial is warranted based on evidence in the case. She was also charged with violating the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act.

Protasowicki will be arraigned in court August 22.

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