A Wisconsin man is facing hate-crime charges after he left a derogatory and threatening message on the Facebook page of a Lake County LGBTQ+ organization, according to State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s office.
William Ramlow, 38, of Elkhorn, appeared in court Thursday, where Lake County prosecutors plan to seek to have him detained until trial.
Police said they were alerted to the message on the social media page for the LGBTQ+ Center of Lake, on which the organization was promoting activities associated with June Pride Fest on June 14 in Round Lake Beach.
The post, left by someone identified as “William Ramlow,” advocated for violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community, authorities said. Round Lake Beach police said they traced the message to an IP address in Elkhorn and, with the assistance of other agencies, made contact with Ramlow.
Ramlow was charged with a felony hate crime on June 13.
“There is no place for hate in our communities,” Round Lake Beach Police Chief Ryan Rodriguez said. “The collective efforts of our agencies reflect a strong commitment to justice, safety and accountability.”
Rinehart said, “Hate is on the rise in this country – but our office will never hesitate to hold those accountable who make direct threats or who engage in actions that harm others. Our office proudly stands with the LGBTQ+ community and its leaders in making Lake County safer and better.”
Ramlow’s detention hearing is scheduled for Friday.
