New indictment in alleged summer hate-crime

December 1, 2020 12:56 pm

Dominique Turner,

This is a file photo of handcuffs. (FILE)

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) – A 34-year-old Brockton man who allegedly committed a hate-crime was indicted by a grand jury on Monday, said the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities said the incident happened on June 29, when a couple was outside of their Taunton home. The victim told a Taunton police officer that while he and his husband were outside, a man in an SUV drove by, before stopping in front of their house.

The man then approached the property, yelled a homophobic slur, and punched the victim twice in the face. The victim lost two teeth after being struck.

The suspect then got back into his SUV, and drove off.

The District Attorney’s Office said the suspect and the victim did not know each other. The victim’s husband and one other person witnessed the assault.

Authorities say the home had a gay pride flag flying, and a rainbow sticker on its mailbox.

Taunton Police led the initial investigation. After numerous interviews and reviews of surveillance footage, Taunton Police officially filed charges against Michael Cates on July 23.

Cates was deemed dangerous, during a district court dangerousness hearing. He has been held without bail since.

Michael Cates was indicted by a grand jury on the following charges:

Civil rights violation
Assault and battery to intimidate with injury
Aggravated assault and battery

The DA’s office says the case will be transferred from Taunton District Court to Fall River Superior Court. An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled by the court.