Concordia man pleads guilty to lying about harassing black youth
12:53 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Andrew S. Ralph, 21, Concordia, Kan., today pleaded guilty to lying to an FBI investigator about a drunken incident in which a black student was tied and taunted with racial epithets.
In his plea, Ralph admitted that on May 19, 2007, he attended a high school graduation party hosted by co-defendant David B. Endsley in Waterville, Kan., which is part of the Waterville/Blue Rapids community. Most of the people at the party, including the defendants and the victim, consumed alcohol, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
About 2 a.m., co-defendant Endsley found the victim, J.L., asleep on the ground and put him in a lawn chair. Endsley said that he was going to “tie the nigger up.” While the victim was tied, the defendants -- including Ralph -- directed racial slurs at him and urinated on him, the release states.
Endsley used a can of spray paint to paint the victim’s arms and legs white. The defendants -- including Ralph -- told the victim he should go back where he came from before he moved to the Waterville and Blue Rapids area. On Aug. 14, 2007, an FBI agent interviewed Ralph about the incident. Ralph falsely denied witnessing or participating in the incident, the release states.
Ralph is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 15, 2008. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Endsley pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of making a false statement to investigators. In addition, Endsley and co-defendant Isaac Q. Clark pleaded guilty to one count of criminal interference with the right to fair housing. Their sentencing is set for Sept. 30, 2008. Read more about that story and viewer's comments on it, here.
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Jul. 18, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)Dan1513 (anonymous)
Finally the last criminal admits his guilt!!! These three cowards who attacked an eighth-grader to show how tough they were will hopefully do jail time.
There is no excuse for their racist conduct. They are admitted cowardly racists and biggots. It was a hate crime plain and simple.
It's very disturbing on how their supporters justify their conduct as if, "NO BIG DEAL!" They blame the eighth-grader!!!!!!
Racism and bigotry are alive and well in small town America!
Jul. 20, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)stuck (anonymous)
Dan1513, my guess is that supporters of these criminals will show up strong at sentencing. Do you know if there's a group who will be there to show support for the victim as well?
Jul. 21, 2008 at 6:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)Dan1513 (anonymous)
Stuck, I live in Florida and don't know. I would assume because of the racist, good ole boy attitudes. That only the prosecutors will be there representing the victim. I would hope there would be supporters for the victim. But don't bet your life on it.
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