Font ResizeA 21-year-old Magna man who joined in the beating of three people near Ensign Peak last year --- an attack Salt Lake City police have called a hate crime -- pleaded guilty Friday to a reduced charge.
Fa Junior MoiMoi was one of at least five men who attacked the victims after one victim mentioned that he was gay, according to charges filed in 3rd District Court.
MoiMoi was identified as participating in the Aug. 9, 2008 beating because he had asked the victims -- a brother, sister and their aunt -- to take his picture, which was later shown by TV stations.
A second suspect, 24-year-old Sione Tupou Malohi also has been charged, and a $100,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Prosecutor Sandi Johnson said MoiMoi and Malohi were co-workers who went to the Ensign Peak area that night as part of an after-work party.
The male victim suffered "significant facial trauma," including a broken bone near his eye, according to police. He and his sister were taken to a hospital for treatment, charges state.
MoiMoi was charged with two counts of first-degree felony aggravated assault and one count of class A misdemeanor assault. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree felony aggravated assault and the other charges were dismissed.
He faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 11 by Judge Deno Himonas.
Prosecutors have said that although Utah has no hate-crime statute,
