Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Offense for Defacing Predominantly Black Church

DETROIT - A Warren, Michigan man pleaded guilty today to defacing a predominantly Black church in Roseville, Michigan, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Chevoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to court documents, in October 2021, David Bluer, 34, spray-painted several swastikas, the word “die,” and other graffiti on the Roseville church because of the race and color of individuals associated with the church.  Specifically, the defendant admitted that he intentionally defaced the church because the church serves a predominantly Black congregation and has a Black pastor.

For this, Bluer pleaded guilty to one count of damaging religious property. Bluer faces a maximum  penalty of one year in prison.

“Today’s guilty plea should send a clear message that our office will aggressively protect our district’s houses of worship, including against attacks motivated by race and color,” U.S. Attorney Ison said.

"Racially motivated crimes have no place in our society," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "Hate crimes are message crimes intended to sow fear and terror in communities. Through this prosecution, the Justice Department sends its own message — that we will protect communities from such hate-fueled violence and use every tool at our disposal to investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate these heinous attacks."

“David Bluer's guilty plea to a hate crime for defacing a predominantly Black church underscores the FBI's steadfast commitment to addressing civil rights violations and holding individuals accountable for acts of hate. This targeted criminal act, coupled with Mr. Bluer's admission of harboring hatred based on race and ethnicity, highlights the FBI's dedication to safeguarding faith-based communities in Michigan," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI plays a critical role in investigating hate crimes, especially those targeting vulnerable communities. Acts of hate and violence, such as defacing places of worship, not only violates the law but also seek to instill fear and division in our communities. The FBI's involvement in this case, in collaboration with the Roseville and Warren Police Departments, exemplifies the FBIs proactive approach to protecting individuals from hate-fueled acts and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their despicable actions. By working closely with local law enforcement, the FBI ensures that those who commit hate crimes are identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Their continued efforts demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting all communities, upholding civil rights, preserving the safety of places of worship, and ensuring justice for victims of intolerance.”

Bluer is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson of the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.