A Missouri man has been charged with threatening the St. Louis office of the NAACP, according to a federal indictment unsealed this week. Darryl Jaspering, 62, of Warrenton, faces multiple charges, including one count of transmitting threatening communications and one count of interference with federally protected activities, stemming from a racially charged message he allegedly sent to the NAACP.
The indictment alleges that Jaspering submitted a message through the NAACP’s contact page in which he made violent threats against the recipients, specifically targeting NAACP employees based on their race. The message, according to authorities, included threats of physical harm and suggested the use of a dangerous weapon. Federal officials assert that the communication was intended to intimidate and interfere with the civil rights activities of the NAACP, a key civil rights organization.
Jaspering now faces serious federal charges. The indictment specifies that he is charged with:
- Transmitting Threatening Communications: This charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
- Interference with Federally Protected Activities: This charge could result in up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the exact sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the gravity of the charges, noting that such acts of intimidation and hate are not tolerated. “The Justice Department will continue to use the full force of the law to hold accountable those who seek to interfere with the civil rights of individuals or organizations,” said Clarke.
“Threats of violence and intimidation based on race have no place in our society,” Johnson stated. “The FBI will continue to pursue those who seek to undermine the rights and safety of others.”
The charges against Jaspering come at a time when civil rights groups have faced increasing scrutiny and threats. The NAACP, which has been at the forefront of advocating for racial equality and social justice for over a century, has not only been the target of threats but continues to play a vital role in fighting for the protection of civil rights for all Americans.
The indictment has garnered attention as a reminder of the importance of protecting individuals and organizations from racial intimidation and threats. In this case, the federal government is taking swift action to hold accountable those who seek to undermine the work of civil rights activists and institutions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Jaspering faces a rigorous defense against serious allegations, and his case will be closely monitored for its potential impact on civil rights protections in the U.S.
