KKK Flier Charges Upheld Against Vermont Man

A judge has upheld charges against a white man accused of distributing Ku Klux Klan recruitment fliers to two minorities in Vermont.

William Schenk of Burlington pleaded not guilty last year to charges of disorderly conduct with a hate crime enhancement. Authorities say he had passed out the fliers to a black woman and a Hispanic woman in Burlington.

Schenk sought to have the charges dismissed, saying he wasn't targeting the two women and that his conduct was protected speech under the First Amendment.

In an order filed Tuesday, a judge denied the motion to dismiss the case, saying Schenk's actions were threatening.

The Burlington Free Press reports that Schenk's lawyer said Wednesday she and her client are considering several options, including a possible appeal to the state Supreme Court.