Investment banker charged with hate crime

DARIEN, Conn. (AP/WTNH) - Police in Connecticut have charged an investment banker with a hate crime in connection with a dispute with a taxi driver over the fare for a trip from New York City to his home in Darien.

The Advocate of Stamford reports that 47-year-old Morgan Stanley executive William Jennings was charged Wednesday with assault, theft of services and intimidation based on race or bigotry.

Police say Jennings refused to pay the $200 fare, threatened the driver and used racial slurs in December. He's free on $9,500 bail.

Jennings denies the allegations. His lawyer says when Jennings disputed the fare, the driver abducted him in an attempt to return to New York and Jennings accidentally injured the taxi driver with a pen knife in a struggle before jumping out of the taxi.

"I understand he required six stitches, I did not see the injuries myself, but I know he was treated here in Darien by the local EMS and had follow up in a New York Hospital," said Detective Mark Cappelli of the Darien Police Department.

Lloyd Mellad has been driving a taxi for many years in Darien, and is surprised that Jennings has been charged.

"I know the address, I know the people there and I don't think that man is of that demeanor to stab somebody. I don't think he has, I have never seen that side of him," said Mellad.

Jennings said he has done nothing wrong, and plans to fight the charges against him.

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Information from: The Advocate