US: Woman who faked homophobic hate crime given jail sentence

Apr 19 2013
Written by Joseph McCormick

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

A Nebraska woman who faked an anti-gay hate crime in an attempt to progress the gay rights movement, and claimed she was handcuffed, and had anti-gay slurs carved into her skin, has been found guilty of false reporting and sentenced to a week in prison.

Charlie Rogers, 33, last year 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.

Judge Pokorny, presiding in- the case said: “The evidence is overwhelming that Charlie Rogers’ narrative on 22 July, 2012 was an incredible and outrageous lie the second it passed her lips.”

The Lancaster County Judge said that Rogers had damaged the gay rights cause by making the false claims.

She was sentenced to a week in prison, with two years probation. She is also expected to serve 250 hours community service, and complete a psychiatric exam.

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

Police Chief Jim Peschong, investigating, announced at a press conference that four days before the incident, 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.”

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