Costa Mesa Man, 30, Facing Hate Crime Charges
SANTA ANA (CBS) — A 30-year-old Costa Mesa man is facing charges of punching two men in front of a Costa Mesa convenience store in what prosecutors allege is a hate crime.
Chad Martin Jurjaks is charged with two felony counts of hate crime battery causing injury, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. He also faces a sentencing enhancement for criminal threats in 2006, which is a prior strike.
Jurjaks, who is white, is accused of punching a 42-year-old man and his 26-year-old nephew in front of a 7-Eleven store in Costa Mesa about 10:30 p.m. March 15 because the victims are Latinos, according to the District Attorney's Office.
The 42-year-old man, his wife, cousin and nephew were walking to the store when Jurjaks, who was allegedly drunk, attacked them as he yelled, "(Expletive) Mexicans," according to prosecutors.
Jurjaks could face up to seven years and four months in prison if he is convicted.
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