FBI concerned hate crimes against LGBT Oklahomans may be seriously under-reported

There have been no new developments in the case of arson involving a gay Edmond man a week ago. The victim, 25 year old Edmond resident Jon Ferguson, is at home recovering from the injuries he sustained when his car, marked with the word “fag,” was set ablaze in the early morning hours of July 21st. (Full report on ; search word, Jon Ferguson).

“It’s still under investigation and we have yet to conduct a formal investigation of the victim,” said Oklahoma City Chief Fire Investigator Homer Jones. “We’ll have more questions for him.” Chief Jones said they plan to visit with the victim in the next few days.

“The lead investigator is not on duty for a couple of days,” he added. “Investigators are on for a 24 shift, then 72 hours off.”

Investigators have seven years to investigate cases that do not involve fatalities. That is the period of time for the statute of limitations.

“It definitely an open case now,” added Jones. “It appears to be arson with the use of accelerants.”

Ferguson told the Gayly he is waiting to hear from fire investigators. He did visit with local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials last week with Scott Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance, Central Oklahoma's LGBT advocacy & education organization.

“The FBI is taking this matter very seriously,” said Hamilton. “They are concerned about how the investigation has been handled at this point and they are moving forward with their own investigation. The FBI is concerned that hate crimes against LGBT Oklahomans may be seriously under-reported.”

Hamilton went on to say, “We at Cimarron Alliance are grateful for the way that the FBI & the US Department of Justice are demonstrating their concern for LGBT Oklahomans. We will continue to work with them in this investigation to be certain that justice is served.”

Hamilton reached out to Ferguson last Monday to offer his support. In turn, they both went to visit with local FBI officials.

“The local FBI and Cimarron Alliance has enjoyed a tremendous working relationship in the past and we look forward to working with them to protect the rights of all LGBT persons in our state,” Hamilton added.

Local FBI agents called Cimarron on Monday, July 23rd. It is unknown by Hamilton how the Department of Justice became aware of this case.