The white couple accused of attacking a Black hotel worker in Mystic are now facing not only assault charges, but hate crime charges as well, Stonington police said Friday.
According to police, the Office of the State’s Attorney issued new warrants with added charges of intimidation based on bigotry and bias. Those charges fall under Connecticut’s hate crimes law.
Caldwell’s attorney, John Strafaci, previously told the Courant that Sarner and Orbay became “belligerent” after complaining about a lack of hot water in the hotel. The couple then allegedly came to the front desk and, in two separate attacks, punched and kicked Caldwell and used racist slurs.