LOS ANGELES
A Southern California man pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for punching an Asian American woman in the head in Culver City while shouting racial slurs at her, authorities announced Wednesday.
Jesse Lindsey, 38, a transient man whose last known address was in Fontana, pleaded guilty to one hate crime count. He has been in federal custody since July 18 and was in state prison on an unrelated conviction.
“The facts of this case shock the conscience,” Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Mr. Lindsey’s actions were heinous, despicable, and inhumane. Violating the civil rights of others by engaging in racial violence is antithetical to our values as Americans. The FBI is committed to investigating federal hate crimes and protecting civil rights. Members of the public are urged to report a potential hate crime to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.”
According to his plea agreement, at approximately 1 a.m. on June 14, 2021, the victim was walking to work in Culver City when Lindsey, a white man, approached her and yelled at the victim, whom he perceived to be Asian, “You can’t say hi to a [expletive] white boy?”
Lindsey then punched the victim in the head, causing her to fall into the street and hit her head. While the victim lay face down in the street, Lindsey shouted, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, bitch!”
Emergency personnel later transported the victim to a hospital to treat injuries to her head and ear. The victim received approximately 11 stitches.
During an interview about the attack, Lindsey made multiple derogatory and profane remarks about people of Asian descent.
The plea agreement states that, among other things, Lindsey said the victim might “whoop” him because “those little dudes,” a reference to Asian men, are “[expletive] crazy” and “have fight in them.”
Referencing the Asian actor known for practicing martial arts, Lindsey said that he thought the victim might pull “some Jet Li [expletive],” according to the plea agreement.
“Our community’s rich cultural diversity is our strength, and we are dedicated to ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming environment for all,” said Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims.
U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald scheduled a March 3, 2025 sentencing hearing, at which time Lindsey will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this case and received substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson is prosecuting this case.