MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Monongalia County man accused of threatening and yelling racial slurs at a local family will have a preliminary hearing Monday.
James Hamlin, 48, of Morgantown, has been charged with violating civil rights by force or threat of force, failure to extinguish a fire before leaving and burning during prohibited hours after an investigation by state police into an incident reported in July on Majestic Drive near Morgantown.
The family told troopers they were driving down the street when James Hamlin yelled at them that they did not belong there while using a racial slur. The family said Hamlin continued to yell as they drove by on Majestic Drive on July 14.
The family also said Hamlin sent a text message after calling the man a “monkey.” This was in addition to his continued harassment as he left to and from work over the previous several weeks.
The family also alleged Hamlin yelled hateful and racial things as the kids played in their yard.
Because of the harassment, the family told troopers the children were afraid to play outside, sleep downstairs or go to school.
The family also told troopers that Hamlin set an unattended fire that got out of control and required a response from a local fire department. When firefighters arrived, Hamlin refused to answer the door.
Hamlin is currently free on bond.