The Columbia man sentenced to nine years in federal prison for violating the housing rights of his Black neighbor pleaded guilty to state charges Tuesday. Jonathan Felkel pleaded guilty to state charges of hate intimidation and first-degree assault and battery. He received an eight-year sentence that will run concurrently with his federal sentence.
Felkel was indicted last December with violating the housing rights of his Black neighbor, Jarvis McKenzie. Felkel fired his gun and made threatening comments toward McKenzie in July 2025 while Felkel was driving into the gated community where they both lived, according to court documents.
South Carolina is one of two states to not have a state hate crime law. Felkel was the first person charged under Richland County's hate crime ordinance.
McKenzie's attorney, Tyler Bailey, said after the federal sentencing that he hoped the state would continue to prosecute Felkel and that civil action would be pursued.