Hate crime charges filed over New Lenox post office outburst

Prosecutors charged a man with felony hate crime after his arrest after he was accused of using racial slurs and vulgar language at the New Lenox post office, police said.

A criminal complaint filed Friday alleged Matthew Crawford, 32, committed disorderly conduct because of his “perceived race” of one woman.

Prosecutors alleged Crawford “publicly berated” one woman through the use of “extremely abusive language,” and acted in such an unreasonable manner as to alarm that woman, as well as a second woman, and provoke the breach of peace.

Crawford also was charged with three counts of misdemeanor disorderly conduct in connection with the incident.

About 11:15 a.m. Feb. 16, officers were sent to the New Lenox post office in response to a disturbance that involved Crawford, according to the New Lenox police.

An officer arrived and learned Crawford became irate when employees would not accept and mail his package, police said.

New Lenox Deputy Police Chief Micah Nuesse said Crawford would not follow proper procedure. Nuesse said he was unaware of what the procedure in question entailed and did not know what Crawford was trying to mail.

According to an employee, Crawford allegedly yelled racial slurs and vulgar statements at everyone in the building, police said.

Nuesse said Crawford became upset when employees would not “complete the process due to him not following proper procedure.”

“Crawford’s behavior alarmed several employees and customers in the post office,” police said.

After Crawford’s arrest, he was taken to New Lenox Police Department where he posted bond and was released on his own recognizance.