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Ulster County resident Shayne Wilber, age 31, of Woodstock, was indicted on Tuesday, July 11, and charged with:
- Criminal possession of a weapon
- Menacing,
- Assault
- Criminal mischief
Hate crime legislation enacted in 2019 allowed for the elevation of charges that would otherwise be considered misdemeanors to prosecution at the felony level, said the Ulster County District Attorney's Office.
The indictment by the Ulster County grand jury alleges Wilber, while at the bar, began hurling homophobic slurs at the victim upon learning he was gay.
At first, Wilber threw an object at the victim, causing injuries to the victim’s lip. He then proceeded to jump over the bar area and attack the victim, pulling out a box cutter in the process, the DA's Office said.
After finally leaving the bar area, Wilber punched a hole through the door windows, causing at least $500 worth of damage.
Wilber is currently in the Ulster County Jail serving a sentence for violating the terms of his probation, as he was on probation at the time of the offense.
"Hate has no place in Ulster County," said Bureau Chief of Felonies for the DA's Office Paul Derohannesian. "The Ulster County DA’s office will fight for victims who are targeted because of their sexual orientation, or any of the other categories protected by New York’s hate crime statute."
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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