1st person charged under Richland County’s Hate Crime Ordinance sentenced in state court

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The first person charged under Richland County’s Hate Crime Ordinance has been sentenced in state court.

Jonathan Felkel was arrested by RCSD in connection with a hate crime. (Photo: Richland County Sheriff’s Department)

Officials say on Tuesday, October 6, Jonathan Felkel pleaded guilty to assault and battery of an aggravated nature and hate crime intimidation.

He was sentenced to eight years in prison which will run concurrent with his federal sentence.

On July 17, 2025, Felkel fired his rifle at Jarvis McKenzie as McKenzie waited for a ride to work.

Felkel later admitted to investigators that the shooting was racially motivated.