Alleged false hate-crime victim to plead not guilty
A lesbian woman who allegedly made false claims that she was the victim of a violent hate crime, is to plead not guilty to the charge of false reporting.
On July 22, Rogers, of Lincoln, Nebraska told police officers that she was the victim of a hate crime, during which she was attacked by three masked men, and the word “dyke” was carved into her skin.
According to the details of the warrant for Rogers’ arrest, details of her account did not match up with forensic reports from the scene.
A video of Charlie Rogers appeared on 1011now.com, in which she refuses to comment, and enters the police station. A judge had issued an arrest warrant for Rogers, 33, who had told police that her attackers also tied her up, and attempted to set her house on fire.
Rogers, dubbed “Rainbow Jane” by gay-rights advocates in her local area, found huge support in the local community, with people offering donations and support.
Hundreds of people went out into the streets of Nebraska and held a candlelit vigil in support of Rogers, 33, who had told authorities that she had been tied up with zip-ties before crawling out of her home and screaming for help.
Police in Lincoln will hold a press conference later today to discuss the case.
If found guilty, Rogers could pay up to $1000 fine, or could face a year in jail.
