Sug Hed: Man admits to racially motivated attack
By Janice Gregorson
gregor@postbulletin.com
One of two brothers accused of using a knife in a racially motivated attack admitted today he did it because the other man was black.
Brent Douglas Espenson, 23, of West Concord, this morning pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault with a knife, one count of fourth-degree assault motivated by bias. Both of those charges stem from the assault of a 31-year-old Rochester man in January because of his race.
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Espenson also pleaded guilty to domestic assault by strangulation, a felony. He was accused of assaulting his former girlfriend the same day as the assault on the man.
Under terms of the plea agreement, three other felony charges in connection with the domestic assault were dismissed. There was no agreement as to sentence.
Prosecutor Eric Woodford said Espenson faces a prison sentence ranging from four to five years under state sentencing guidelines. Sentencing is set for June 2.
Under questioning by his attorney and the judge this morning, Espenson admitted he went after the other man simply because he was black. The victim was chased and cut with a knife. Espenson also admitted yelling racial slurs at the man. Judge Joseph Wieners asked Espenson if he had ever met the victim before. Espenson said no.
Espenson and his brother, Nathan, 21, were both charged in connection with both assaults. Nathan Espenson’s next court date is a pre-trial hearing in July.
