26-year-old Jason Hogan, a resident of Detroit, is accused of committing a hate crime against an LGBTQ person, along with other firearms charges. The reason for the hate crime change in addition, is because Thornton is alleged to have shot a transgender woman in the face after engaging in a voluntary sexual act with her.
Police records show that on January 13th, Hogan is said to have met with the victim, at which time he paid her in exchange for a sexual encounter, which was to take place in the back of his car. After the sex act was completed, Hogan allegedly shot the woman in the face with a handgun, which police say they have identified as a 9mm Ruger. The victim was able to flee the vehicle and seek help. She was treated at Grace Hospital and survived the injury.
Detroit Police opened an investigation which lasted for nine days and resulted in Hogan’s arrest. He has been charged with a single count of Assault With Intent to Commit Murder, which is a felony under Michigan law that is punishable by up to life in prison. In addition, Hogan has also been charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, which is punishable by two years in prison.
The charges have been brought by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP). The FMJP is, according to its website, a collaboration between Fair Michigan and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, which “focuses on homicides and other capital offenses committed against members of the LGBTQ community.“
In this case, the FMJP special prosecutor Jaimie Powell Horowitz will be handling the prosecution. At his arraignment, Hogan was granted a $250,000 cash bond. His preliminary examination is scheduled for February 6th in the 36th District Court in Detroit, before the Honorable Judge Kenneth J. King.
“This case highlights the mortal danger faced by transgender individuals in Michigan.”
says Julia Abad, the Fair Michigan Director of Transgender Outreach. She also points out that since Michigan law “permits employment discrimination against LGBTQ residents, trans people sometimes must resort to sex work in order to survive, which puts them at extreme risk of criminal violence.”
“It is incredibly encouraging to know,” Abad explains, “that The Fair Michigan Justice Project, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and the Detroit Police Department have stated, in no uncertain terms, that violence against the trans community is unacceptable under any circumstances and that these agencies stand ready to aggressively prosecute these brutal crimes committed.”
If you or a loved one have been accused of a hate crime in Michigan, whether against an LGBTQ person, or against another person based on race, religion or any other factor, you are going to need help. The skilled attorneys at The Kronzek Firm have decades of experience helping the residents of Michigan who have been accused of crimes. We are here to help you too! Call our offices at 866-766-5245. An attorney is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss your case.