SEATTLE — A man who attacked a turban-wearing Sikh cab driver has been sentenced in Seattle to more than three years in prison for a federal hate crime.
Prosecutors had asked for a four-year term for Jamie W. Larson, 50, of Federal Way, and his defense lawyer had recommended a two-and-a-half-year term at Tuesday’s sentencing.
Larson pleaded guilty in June and apologized. He said he was in an alcohol blackout in October 2012 when he beat the driver while shouting anti-Muslim slurs. The driver is an immigrant from India and not a Muslim.
Larson was originally charged with malicious harassment in King County Superior Court, but the case was turned over to federal prosecutors because the federal hate crime law carries a longer possible sentence of up to 10 years.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.