The Bucks County branch of an African-American civil rights organization was the target of alleged ethnic intimidation, authorities said.
On October 21, employees at Parx East in Bensalem found a paper towel with the words “death to all n—ers” scrawled on it laying on a table in the area where they were preparing to hold an evening banquet for the Bucks County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The area had signs up making the upcoming event, prosecutors said.
The Pennsylvania State Police investigated the incident and were able to charge Peter Jeanette, a white 52-year-old man from Ardmore, Montgomery County, after investigators reviewed surveillance video that showed the suspect leaving the restroom and placing the hateful note on the table where it was found by casino employees.
Jeanette talked with troopers and acknowledged leaving the note in the area the NAACP banquet would be held. The Montgomery County man reportedly said he left the note as a prank and meant no ill intent.
“We will not tolerate race-based intimidation and harassment here in Bucks County. It is anathema to everything we stand for as Americans,” District Attorney Matt Weintraub said. He added that Jeanette’s actions were “not only offensive, it is criminal.”
Jeanette was charged via summons with ethnic intimidation, harassment, and multiple counts of disorderly conduct. He is set to have a preliminary hearing next month.
The NAACP’s banquet went on as scheduled after the note was found and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 boss John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty was honored for his efforts to help African-Americans. The union, according various media outlets, is currently under investigation for possible white-collar crimes.
The Bucks County NAACP branch has a Levittown mailing address. No one was immediately reached via phone Wednesday afternoon at a number listed for the nonprofit.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
