Deputies arrested a Newark man after a string of racist text messages were sent-and-received in Wayne County.
James Pettine, 48, is accused of sending threats of harm with references to race in those messages to an unnamed victim.
It’s alleged that during the course of approximately 3.5 hours Pettine sent 74 racially motivated text messages, as well as a voicemail- threatening the victim and his family.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Pettine also made mention of the victim being his slave.
Pettine was arrested for aggravated harassment and stalking- both as hate crimes.
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