Two Kansas Men Charged for Attacking Somali Men Because of their Race and National Origin

Omar Cantero Martinez, 31, and Armando Sotelo, 24, both of Dodge City, Kansas, were charged with federal hate crimes for attacking three Somali men because of their race and national origin.  Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District of Kansas made the announcement.

The indictment, which was unsealed today, charges Martinez and Sotelo with three counts of causing bodily injury to a victim because of actual and perceived race and national origin.  The charges are filed under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which criminalizes willfully causing bodily injury to any person because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

The indictment alleges that on June 19, 2015, Martinez and Sotelo caused bodily injury to three Somali men who were lawfully present in the United States and residing in Dodge City.  The attackers are alleged to have used a broken glass bottle in the assault against two of the Somali men.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Indictments are merely allegations of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Dodge City Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst of the District of Kansas.

Martinez and Sotelo Indictment