Ohio Man Reaches Plea Deal, Avoids Jail in High-Profile Virginia Case
An Ohio man who faced felony charges for participating in a torch-lit rally at the University of Virginia campus in 2017 has reached a plea deal, avoiding jail time. Dallas Jerome Nicholas Medina, 32, pleaded guilty on October 31 in Albemarle County Circuit Court to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. Medina, who was originally indicted for felony intimidation, agreed to the reduced charge as part of a negotiated settlement.
Background: 2017 Rally Leads to Multiple Charges
Medina’s case dates back to August 11, 2017, when a group of white nationalists marched through the University of Virginia campus carrying flaming torches. Chanting slogans, including “Jews will not replace us,” the rally incited widespread condemnation and led to numerous arrests. Medina was one of several individuals charged with using torches as a means of intimidation during the rally.
This latest plea brings Medina’s case in line with over a dozen similar cases stemming from the event, which drew national attention and led to multiple convictions. Medina is now the fourth rally participant to enter a plea agreement involving a reduced misdemeanor charge, while six others have been convicted of felonies, and one case resulted in a mistrial.
Factors Behind the Reduced Charge
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Lawton Tufts, who prosecuted the case, indicated that Medina’s lack of a prior criminal record, non-involvement in any assaults, and efforts to break up a fight were central to the decision to reduce the charge.
Medina’s lawyer, Mike Hallahan, said after the hearing that the plea represented a “reasonable compromise” for all parties involved. The plea agreement allows Medina to avoid jail time, bringing an end to a lengthy legal process that has seen varying outcomes for participants in the rally.
Response from Medina
When asked for comment, Medina expressed little but relief, telling The Daily Progress: “I got to go home. Sorry.” His reticent response reflects the tension that has lingered around these cases, as the torch rally remains a charged symbol of the violent clashes that erupted in Charlottesville the following day during the “Unite the Right” rally.
