Source: Office of United States Attorneys
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Miami County man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to committing a hate crime against Jewish students at The Ohio State University.
Timur Mamatov, 20, of Tipp City, Ohio, admitted to violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act when he physically assaulted two students for their religion, causing bodily injury.
“Violence against people of faith is illegal and unacceptable,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This Department of Justice will aggressively enforce federal laws to ensure that all Americans feel safe in practicing and expressing their faith.”
“Mamatov admitted in court today that he assaulted victims because they were Jewish. No American should fear being violently attacked based on their religious beliefs,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “This office, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue violence motivated by hate.”
“Antisemitic violence has no place in our society,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “Crimes motivated by hate spread fear throughout the community and deeply impact the sense of safety of all residents. We appreciate the Ohio State University Police Division and the Columbus Division of Police who had important roles in this investigation. We will continue to work together to protect our community.”
According to court documents, on Nov. 10, 2023, Mamatov and a friend engaged in an altercation with five students outside of a bar on North High Street in Columbus. One student was wearing a “Chai” pendant around his neck – a piece of jewelry commonly associated with Judaism. Mamatov asked the students if they were Jewish, and when they answered that they were, Mamatov punched one victim, fracturing his jaw. A second victim was injured, suffering a fractured nose, as the fight poured over into the street.
Mamatov was charged by a bill of information on July 3.
Violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division; Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio State University Police Chief Dennis Jeffrey and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Cameron Bell are representing the United States in this case.
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