Hate Crime Charges Filed in Helena
In the last few months, individuals from India have been targeted with various forms of harassment. Many of the incidents involved vandalism to vehicles, and one of these cases led to hate crime charges against a Helena man.
The Lewis and Clark County Attorney has charged Michael Eugene Dignan with malicious intimidation or harassment relating to civil rights. The charge states that Dignan scratched the paint off of an Indian's car and spread feces on the door handles. When confronted by police, Dignan mentioned he believed the Indian was Hindu. Because the crime was perpetrated based on the target's religion, hate crimes charges were filed.
The individual targeted is one of a growing community in Helena from India. In the late 1990s, people from India began coming to Helena due to company contracts to do computer work in the area.
As we go to press, a warrant has been issued for Dignan's arrest, because police did not find him when they went to arrest him. The charges against Dignan carry up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.