NEW: Marion man pleads guilty to federal charge in June cross burning case

A Marion, Virginia man pleaded guilty in US District Court in Abingdon to placing a burning cross in the yard of his African-American neighbor.

Prosecutors said James Brown, 41, placed the intimidating symbol on the property on June 14—not even a month after the death of Minnesota’s George Floyd that triggered racial inequality and police brutality protests across the country.

Brown was arrested a week later after lying to FBI agents about the crime. He was charged with using force or threats to interfere with federally protected housing, including using racist language toward his neighbors. Two months after his arrest, Brown was placed back in jail after violating the conditions of his bail when someone was found with marijuana at his home.

The event also prompted local organizers to stage a large rally in Marion that packed traffic in the small town but ended peacefully thanks to a huge police presence.

(IMAGE: ST929 Archives)