Three New Mexico men are set to go to trial in federal court in connection with the branding of a member of the Navajo Nation.

Wlliam Hatch, Paul Beebe and Jesse Sanford are the first people who have been charged under a new federal hate crimes law. They will go to trial on October 3.

The three are accused of kidnapping and branding Vincent Kee, 23, with a swastika. Prosecutors say Kee was victimized due to his race and his mental handicap.

Hatch was tried in state court but was acquitted of most charges. Beebe and Sanford have yet to go to trial.

Get the Story:
Oct. 3 trial date set in federal hate crimes case (AP 5/10)

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