Protests follow ‘horrific’ assault on gay man in Jamestown. Adult, two juveniles arrested
Three people could face hate-crime charges in the beating of a gay man in Jamestown.
It happened Jan. 28 near the victim’s home at the Jamestown Terrace Apartments on Preston Lane, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The case has sparked protests from LGBTQ+ leaders, the county’s state senator and others.
The Union Democrat reported that the unnamed victim suffered a broken jaw and other head injuries. He was released from the University of California at Davis Medical Center in Sacramento but might still need surgery, the newspaper said.
Christopher Jacobs, 44, of Jamestown was arrested Friday on felony charges of battery with serious bodily injury and conspiracy to commit a crime. He was released from the Tuolumne County Jail on $70,000 bail.
Two suspects between 12 and 17 years old also were arrested on related charges. Their names, hometowns and possible roles in the case were not disclosed.
The case could be charged as a hate crime if evidence shows it was motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation. The Sheriff’s Office on Monday said only that the investigation continues.
The nonprofit CalPride Sierras urged supporters to speak out to local elected leaders about the assault. “Now is not the time to stay silent,” a Facebook post says. “Know that you are not alone, but it will take us coming together in numbers in order to protect our rights and our safety.”
MyMotherLode.com reported that protesters packed Monday night’s meeting of the Sonora City Council. The matter was not on the agenda, but members agreed to draft a resolution for a future vote.
LGBTQ+ supporters planned to turn out also at the Tuesday morning meeting of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. Jamestown is an unincorporated community under its purview.
State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, R-Jackson, called it “a horrific assault” in a news release Tuesday. Her district takes in all of Tuolumne County and all or part of Stanislaus and several other counties.
“Violent attacks against any individual, regardless of protected class, are an assault on our entire community, “ Alvarado-Gil said. “We all deserve to feel safe, and I am committed to supporting our law enforcement as they work to ensure our government acts swiftly and decisively to protect us. I am praying for the victim’s speedy and full recovery.”
CalPride Sierras is part of California Pride, which also has chapters in Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Mariposa, Calaveras and Amador counties.
“If you are struggling with this recent news, please know that we are here to support you,” the Sonora-based chapter said.
