The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (KCPAO) has filed two hate crime charges relating to gender identity and sexual orientation this year. Both charges were filed against Denitra Marie Freeman, 42.

The charging documents state that Freeman maliciously and intentionally caused the physical injury of the victim due to her perception of his sexual orientation.

On Dec. 5, 2021, Freeman banged on the door of a tenant who resided in the same apartment building as her and called him an "HIV positive faggot." The documents also state that Freeman yelled numerous homophobic slurs during the incident, which escalated to physical violence: when the victim opened his door, Freeman punched him in the face as she called him a "fucking faggot."

Once officers arrived, Freeman continued with homophobic statements and told officers that the victim "wants to be a girl" like herself.

On Jan. 2, 2022, Freeman and the victim were both in another tenant's apartment in the same building. Freeman was sitting in a chair while the victim, who identifies as a Transgender female, was standing next to her.

The victim was discussing her transition when the defendant began making comments about what the victim should not do with her own body.

During the interaction, Freeman reached out and grabbed the victim's chest, and twisted and pinched her nipples, which caused the victim pain. The victim told Freeman to stop and pushed her hands away numerous times, but Freeman continued and escalated to grabbing the victim's genitalia, which also caused her pain.

On Jan. 5, 2022, the KCPAO filed charges against Freeman for "hate crime, assault in the fourth degree." These charging documents state that Freeman maliciously and intentionally caused the physical injury of the victim due to her perception of gender expression or gender identity.

The charging documents also state "that the defendant... [committed] this crime with sexual motivation, that is: that one of the purposes for which the defendant committed this crime was for the purpose of her sexual gratification, under the authority of RCW 9.94A.835."

The state requested that Freeman also have no contact with the victim. Freeman's trial dates on the charges are set for April 13 and May 2, both at 9:00 a.m.