Hate Crimes

The Hate Crimes Unit is a dedicated division of the Macomb County Prosecutor’s office with a paramount mission – to evaluate and prosecute confirmed reports of hate crimes. Operating within the framework of Michigan state law, this unit focuses on addressing offenses committed against individuals or groups due to their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. By collaborating with local communities, advocating for victims, and rigorously pursuing justice, the Hate Crimes Unit plays a pivotal role in fostering a safer and more inclusive environment in Michigan. Through its tireless efforts, the unit strives to deter hate-motivated incidents and uphold the principles of equality and justice for every member of the Macomb County community.

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About the Unit

Hate Crime Chief: Patrick Coletta
Email: patrick.coletta@macombgov.org

hatecrimesPamphlet.pdf
hatecrimesPamphlet.pdf (12.85 MB)

 

According to the FBI's most recent hate crime report, violence in the United States has reached record-high levels. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has also raised concerns and declared October as Hate Crimes Awareness Month.

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“Hate crimes must be prosecuted with unwavering determination because they strike at the very heart of our society's values and principles. When we allow hate crimes to go unpunished, we risk sowing the seeds of division, fear, and injustice in our communities. By prosecuting hate crimes, we send a resounding message that bigotry and discrimination have no place in our society. It is our duty to stand up for the victims, to protect our shared values of equality, so that all individuals, regardless of their background, can live free from the scourge of hatred with liberty and justice for all," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido established the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Hate Crime Unit in 2022 to prosecute hate crimes in Macomb County. The Hate Crimes Unit works with local law enforcement to prosecute assaultive and property damage crimes where the motivating factor is ethnic intimidation.

In Michigan, a person may be guilty of a felony for ethnic intimidation if that person maliciously, and with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person's race, color, religion, gender, or national origin, causes physical contact with another person, damages, destroys, or defaces any real or personal property of another person, or threatens, by word or act. Macomb County is the third largest county in Michigan with one of the most diverse communities. The focus of Hate Crime Awareness Month is to educate communities and promote understanding and inclusivity.