Authorities drop hate crime investigation of Wisconsin woman due to lack of evidence

Federal prosecutors announced no charges will be filed due to a “lack of evidence” in an alleged hate crime against a biracial Wisconsin woman who claimed she was set on fire by a group of white men.

Woman alleged hate crime

Althea Bernstein, 18, told police she was set on fire at about 1 a.m. on June 24 while stopped at a red light as she drove through a protest in downtown Madison.

Bernstein said one of her attackers yelled a racial slur at her before she was doused with lighter fluid and set ablaze with a lighter or a match, burning her face and neck.

Wisconsin hate crime dropped

But charges won’t be filed in the case after a “thorough investigation,” including extensive interviews and a review of surveillance video, found insufficient evidence to back up Bernstein’s allegations, federal prosecutors said Friday.

“After reviewing all available evidence, authorities could not establish that the attack, as alleged by the complainant, had occurred,” the US Attorney’s Office in Madison said in a statement.

“Accordingly, the federal investigation into this incident has been closed based on the lack of evidence.”

Unable to corroborate alleged victim’s story for Wisconsin hate crime

Detectives in Madison were “unable to corroborate” or find any evidence supporting Bernstein’s claims, Madison Acting Police Chief Victor Wahl said in a statement confirming that its investigation had been closed.

“The Madison Police Department dedicated significant resources to this case,” Wahl said, adding that Bernstein was treated with “dignity and respect” throughout the probe.

Statement by the family

Bernstein’s family said in a statement they appreciated “the detailed investigative efforts by all involved in this case,” asked for privacy and said they would not be granting interviews.

“Althea’s injuries are healing and the support of our community has been invaluable in that regard,” they said.

No charges against alleged victim

Despite the investigation’s findings, acting Madison Police Chief Vic Wahl said his department is not recommending charging Bernstein.

Police noted that Bernstein has been consistent in her description of the attack to friends and family, her phone’s GPS locations matched up with what she reported to police and her phone messages did not indicate an intent to deceive law enforcement or the public.