Trial begins for man charged in 2017 Charlottesville torch rally at the University of Virginia

By DENISE LAVOIE
AP Legal Affairs Writer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A trial has begun for a man charged with using a flaming torch to intimidate counterprotesters during a gathering of white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia, seven years ago. The trial of 29-year-old Jacob Joseph Dix, of Clarksville, Ohio, began Tuesday. The case is the first test of a 2002 law that makes it a felony to burn something to intimidate and cause fear of injury or death. Indictments unsealed last year showed at least 11 people had been charged under the law. So far, five have pleaded guilty. Dix is the first to go on trial.