Several people have been indicted on charges of burning an object with the intent to intimidate during the Aug. 11, 2017 torch-lit march down the lawn at the University. These indictments are part of an active criminal investigation connected with the march and the following “Unite the Right rally” that shook Charlottesville almost six years ago.
The names of the individuals indicted February were not included in the Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office press release — but indictments against three people have recently been unsealed, including Texas resident William Zachary Smith Tyler, S.C. resident Bradley Dykes and Ohio resident Dallas Medina. The object burning charge is a Class 6 felony and those convicted could face up to five years in prison.
This court action follows a November 2021 ruling in favor of four claims against rally organizers in the “Unite the Right” rally, which awarded more than $25 million in damages to victims. The case was brought by nine plaintiffs, including counter-protesters who were injured Aug. 12.
On the night of Aug. 11 march, white supremacists gathered at the University, brandishing torches and shouting racist, anti-Semetic and homophobic chants — including “Jews will not replace us” — to protest the removal of the Lee statue from Emancipation Park.
The next day, the “Unite the Right” protest turned violent, and white supremacist James Fields drove a car through a crowd of counter protesters — injuring 19 and killing Charlottesville local Heather Heyer. Fields is currently serving a life sentence for murder and hate crimes in the Hazelton Federal Penitentiary.
The Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is currently working with law enforcement to investigate any allegations of criminal activity, look at potentially applicable laws and file charges when appropriate.
This investigative process occurs no matter how much time has passed or where the alleged offenders may be currently located, per the release.
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