Alachua Man Arrested After Committing Hate Crime Against Hispanic People; Released on Recognizance

Jody Allen Meyer, 58, was arrested in Alachua and charged with simple assault by the Alachua Police Department (APD) on Wednesday after he threatened a group of Hispanic people working on a property and called them “illegals.” 

The boss told Officer Brody Wetzel that while working, Meyer approached him and his employees on his own property from about 30 feet away. Meyer told the workers to “go back to their own country.” He then threatened one specific worker, saying he would shoot him and kill him. Meyer mimicked a gun sound, saying “Bang,” before rushing inside. 

The worker left the location after Meyer threatened his life, believing Meyer was going inside to get a gun. The worker called his boss, and the boss contacted APD. 

Meyer was arrested shortly after, however, he was given no bail and released within 24 hours. During his police interview, Meyer admitted to calling the men “illegals” but denied threatening them. Multiple workers submitted sworn complaints, which coincided with Meyer's threats to kill the worker he singled out. 

Meyer doesn't have a criminal record. He will be required to appear on all scheduled court dates. Meyer has been ordered to not contact the man he threatened or his boss, or any other employees.