Allen Loftis

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — A man charged with a hate crime after allegedly punching multiple people and later citing "gay stuff" as the reason, has pleaded Not Guilty. 

Allen Loftis appeared in Camden County court on Monday, Sept. 10, for arraignment on multiple charges of assault, classified as hate crimes by the prosecuting attorney’s office. Loftis, through his attorney Stephen Meier, waived arraignment and entered a plea of Not Guilty. The next court date has not been set.

Loftis was arrested on Aug. 4 following an altercation at Lakefront bar Shady Gator’s when Loftis allegedly started a fight with several patrons. During his interview after the arrest, Loftis reportedly stated he did “not allow gay stuff to go on” around him. Based upon that statement and his alleged actions, the Camden County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office believed the crimes fit the statutory definition of “hate crime” because the defendant’s alleged actions were based upon the sexual orientation of the victims.

Possible penalties, if Loftis is convicted, would be greater than a typical assault charge.

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