One of Bakersfield's most infamous men, caught on camera hitting his son inside of a convenience store, will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer L. Thurston ruled Justin Whittington is a flight risk and a threat to the community and will be detained at the Lerdo Detention Facility until his status conference in October.
Whittington was arrested after a federal grand jury indicted him for a hate crime following an incident in December of 2012.
Whittington and another male, identified as Jesse Lamb, drove to a Latino neighbor's home and fired a sawed off shotgun at the man after shouting out racial slurs. He then drove to an Arab-owned Oildale store and shot the same gun at the building.
Following that incident, Whittington then fled to Michigan.
Related Stories:
- Bakersfield man caught on camera punching toddler in the face
- Justin Whittington arrested for hate crime, firearm, and false statement charges
During today's court proceedings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney revealed Whittington has a history of white supremacist gang involvement.
Whittington is charged on four counts, including interference with housing rights, using a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and providing false statements to an FBI agent.
