A 53-year-old Delaware woman has pled guilty and been sentenced for her involvement in a series of racially motivated altercations earlier this year. 

On April 21, Deborah Hughes, of Newark, Delaware, pled guilty to a charge of Misdemeanor Hate Crime following her arrest in January by New Castle County Police. Following her plea, Hughes was given a 1-year prison sentence, suspended for Intensive Probation Supervision. She was also ordered to strictly refrain from contacting the victim and to undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations and follow recommendations for treatment. 

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes and communities, full stop,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Hate speech is serious, it is a criminal offense under the law, and it can tear apart entire communities and incite violence. We are a nation of immigrants- that is what makes us great. We know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are stronger, brighter and infinitely richer together. I am thankful to our DCRPT team and to the Wilmington Police for their hard work in this case.” 

On January 16 and 17, 2025, Deborah Hughes repeatedly approached her neighbors in the Fox Chase development of Newark, Delaware, and harassed them with racial epithets. After being ordered on January 16 by a judge to cease contact with the victims, Hughes continued to harass them. She was arrested by New Castle County Police on January 17. 

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