Police: Fake hate crime victim wanted to “spark change” through hoax attack

Police investigating an allegedly fake violent hate crime in the US state of Nebraska have said they believe to have found the motive behind the incident, during which the victim said she had derogatory words carved into her skin.

Police Chief Jim Peschong, investigating, announced at a press conference that four days before the attack, Charlie Rogers, a lesbian, from Lincoln, Nebraska, posted a message on Facebook:

“So maybe I am too idealistic, but I believe way deep inside me that we can make things better for everyone. I will be a catalyst. I will do what it takes. I will. Watch me,”

He said that the team investigating believe this to be Rogers’ motive for the attack. He also said that forensic details of the investigation undermined her account of what happened on July 22.

Rogers, 33, and a former University basketball star, pleaded not guilty to the charge of false reporting, and was released. Her attorney, Brett McArthur, spoke on her behalf, saying that she maintained her original story about the attack.

Rogers told police officers that she was the victim of a hate crime, during which she was attacked by three masked men, tied up, and had the word “dyke” was carved into her skin.

Originally, when news of the attack broke, huge support was sparked, including a candlelit vigil, Facebook groups, and even a donations page online. 

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• May 11

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