A North Carolina man has been indicted on federal hate crime charges for allegedly threatening individuals with a firearm inside a restaurant because of their race, color, religion, and national origin.
Maurice Hopkins, 31, is accused of threatening eight people inside Zambies Pizza in Charlotte on June 8, 2024.
Count one of the indictment charges Hopkins with threatening the eight individuals with force because of their race, color, religion and national origin and because they were enjoying the goods, services and facilities of the restaurant.
READ: Hillsborough County Deputies Arrest Driver After High-Speed Chase In Cheval
Count two of the indictment charges Hopkins with threatening the eight individuals with force on account of their race, color, religion and national origin to intimidate the individuals from exercising their federally protected housing rights.
Count three of the indictment charges Hopkins with carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
READ: Virginia Man, Massachusetts Woman Plead Guilty In Multi-Kilogram Georgia Drug Trafficking Case
Hopkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the civil rights charges and a mandatory minimum sentence for the firearms charge.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.