Home > Press Room > 2006 > Press Release

Press Release

U.S. Justice Department to Open Formal Investigation into Texas Sexual Assault Case and Possible Hate Crimes.

LULAC applauds department for taking quick action.

May 3, 2006

Contact: Lizette Jenness Olmos
202-833-6130 ext. 14

Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a formal investigation regarding the alleged violation of civil rights in the case of a16-year-old Latino boy who was sexually assaulted in Spring, Texas. 

“We trust the Department of Justice pursues this horrific crime and prosecutes those responsible to the full extent of the law,” said LULAC National President Hector M. Flores.   

The U.S. Department of Justice is coordinating with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office in this matter.

LULAC asked the Department of Justice to review the beating of the boy who is listed in critical but stable condition at Memorial Hermann Hospital on Friday, April 28, 2006. In addition, to massive internal injuries, head wounds, and a carving mark on his chest, prosecutors revealed that he has what appear to be cigarette burns on his back.

Organizations such as NCLR, NAACP, and the Anti-Defamation League have joined with LULAC on this issue. LULAC will continue to follow this matter closely.

 ###