Initial Hearings Set In Lake Monroe Incident

Initial hearings are scheduled for the two men charged in the Fourth of July incident at Lake Monroe.  Sean Purdy and Jerry Cox are set to appear in court for the first time this Friday, July 24.

Local activist Vauhxx Booker, who is Black, says a group of White men jumped him on the holiday and threatened to hang him with a noose.

Last Friday, Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant filed criminal charges against Purdy and Cox. A Department of Natural Resources report also listed charges that could apply to Booker but were not brought forth.

Purdy faces three felony charges, including criminal confinement with bodily injury, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and intimidation. Documents provided by the Prosecutor’s Office say Purdy is charged with intimidation for saying “get a noose.”