Hate crime charges have been added against Franklin Garcia, 24, whose last known address was in Lakeville, in connection with a confrontation with Manny DeBrito, the head of the New Bedford Board of Election Commissioners, outside New Bedford City Hall.

DeBrito has stated in public reports that he believes the incident was a hate crime and that Garcia hurled racial slurs at him. 

The hate crime charges were added following an investigation by Lt. Scott Carola, the New Bedford Police Department’s hate crime officer, and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Carola said.

Garcia also faces assault and battery charges.

The incident took place Nov. 19. Garcia was arrested at about 11 a.m. that day.