Drunk Homophobe From DFW Airport Incident Could Get Away With Only $1K Fine

McCleish Christmas Benham

Last week I reported on an incident at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport where a drunk homophobe attacked another traveler he assumed to be gay only to be stopped by a group of bystanders.

From Lone Star Q:

According to the report obtained by Lone Star Q, the man’s name is McCleish Christmas Benham, 27. He is currently charged with public intoxication and simple assault, both class-C misdemeanors each punishable by a maximum $500 fine, but no jail time.

However, if prosecutors choose to utilize Texas’ hate crimes law, they could enhance the assault charge to a class-B misdemeanor. Class-B misdemeanors are punishable by 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine per offense.

Pretty hard to imagine the prosecutors wouldn't charge the man with hate crime here since Benham was caught on video calling his victim a "queer."

But in Texas, folks aren't very concerned with protecting LGBT citizens, so don't hold your breath on that one..

If not, Benham could get away with a maximum of $1,000 fine and no jail time whatsoever.

Here's the arrest report:

DFW airport arrest report