Posted: Feb 8, 2013 10:39 AM by Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Two reputed gang members have been charged with hate crimes for allegedly beating up two black youths and trying to force an African-American family out of Compton through threats and violence.
A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted 19-year-old Jeffrey Aguilar and 21-year-old Efren Marquez Jr. They're charged with five counts each of interfering with housing rights and conspiracy.
If convicted, each could face up to 10 years in prison for each count.
Both remain in federal custody.
Authorities contend the two are members of a Compton gang that targeted African-Americans. The indictment claims that they and other gang members beat up two black teenagers in December, and in January waged a harassment campaign against a newly arrived black family.
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