Brian Moudry Pleads Guilty To Racially Motivated Arson

Taken From CBS Local:

A white supremacist pleaded guilty Friday to burning down his black neighbors’ home in 2007.

Brian James Moudry, 36, of the 300 block of South Reed Street in Joliet, pleaded guilty to using fire to interfere with the housing rights on the basis of race, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s office. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Brian Moudry, 35, had denied torching a house rented by a black family on his block about 4 a.m. June 17, 2007. Eight children had to move because of the alleged arson.

In the plea agreement, Moudry admitted to setting the fire because he was upset that an African-American rented a house on his block, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. He also admitted he intended to intimidate the owner and interfere to prevent African Americans from renting the property.

The ex-con has previously served time for hate crimes against African Americans, and has also claimed to be the leader of the Illinois branch of a far-right white hate group led by Matt Hale, who’s serving a 40-year prison sentence after being convicted of asking a follower in 2002 to murder U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow.

Moudry’s face, neck and arms are covered in racist tattoos.

An African-American federal defender — MiAngel Cody — was last summer appointed to represent Moudry, who could not afford to pay an attorney.

Moudry has remained in federal custody without bond since his May 30, 2012, arrest, the U.S. Attorney’s office said. U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. April 26.