Police say Utah man admits to vandalism, injuries originally reported as anti-gay attack

Source: Salt Lake Tribune

An investigation into a string of purported hate crimes, which included "Die Fag" being carved into the arm of a gay Delta man, took a detour on Tuesday after police said the man admitted to harming himself.

Millard County Sheriff Robert Dekker said attorneys for Richard "Rick" Jones made the admission to his office last week.

"Our client is responsible for all of the incidents and that would include the cutting of his own skin," Jones' attorney, Paul Burke, confirmed to The Tribune on Tuesday.

But Burke said characterizing Jones' actions as a hoax would be inaccurate. Jones is member of family that loves him, but is struggling with the acceptance of his sexual orientation, he said.

Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/news/2683196-155/police-say-utah-man-admits-to