An employee in Los Angeles County allegedly broke into the government’s downtown headquarters in the past two weeks and committed a death threat on the desk of his Asian colleagues, charged with felony hate crimes.
Bhavin Patel, 42, is charged with posing a criminal threat, burglary and civil rights violations, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Patel faces up to 13 years in prison if charged.
“Everyone should have a safe workplace and no one should be insulted by race or race,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement.
Patel allegedly worked in the county attorney’s office, allegedly broke into Kenneth Hahn’s executive hall on August 25, August 26 and September 4 and dispersed over the victim’s fear with a “prepared threat” (he scattered on colleague’s desk and instilled in the purpose of fear among the victims).
The county did not provide the victim’s name.
County legal counsel Dawyn Harrison said in a statement that the office contacted the sheriff’s department immediately.
“The county counsel and the county’s offices have zero tolerance for harassment of any kind, and hate crimes are particularly outrageous,” Harrison said. “We strive to create a safe environment for all employees and belong to all employees.”
The county legal counsel, composed of the county’s internal lawyers, provides legal advice to dozens of apartments in the county. Patel’s job description was not provided, but he is not a licensed attorney, according to the state bar association registration form.
Last year, the county reported record number of hate crimes in the area, according to a report from the county. Interpersonal Relations Committee. After a decline in 2022, the rise of anti-Asian crime in 2023 has targeted the second highest number of 80 victims. In 2021, there are 247 anti-Asian hate crimes.
