Crime & Safety

Man Sentenced For Delco Ethnic Intimidation Incident

Brian Setnik, of Aston, yelled racial slurs and told the victim "you better watch out" as they protested in late May last year, the DA said.

ASTON, PA — An Aston man was ordered to do 100 hours of community service and placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to and ethnic intimidation charge, authorities said.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said Brian Setnick, 60, of Aston, was sentenced after pleading guilty to a charge of ethnic intimidation.

Setnick was charged after he yelled racial slurs at a protester in Aston on Sunday, May 31, 2020, according to the DA's office. Setnick also told the victim "you better watch out," authorities said.

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"There is simply no excuse for Mr. Setnick’s actions, and we hope that by shining a light on his
egregious – and illegal – conduct, we have made clear that Delaware County will not tolerate this
kind of hateful behavior," Stollsteimer said. "I want to commend the work of the Aston Police Department for supporting us in this prosecution, and for standing with us to
protect our residents from intolerance and hate in our community."

On the day of the incident, witnesses were participating in a peaceful rally at the intersection
known as "five points" in Aston.

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Before the rally, witnesses made the Aston Police Department aware of the planned rally, which was held in response to the death of George Floyd earlier in the month.

Aston Police were present throughout the rally.

Video evidence from the incident showed the driver of a red Jeep Wrangler — later
identified as the Setnik — driving through the intersection several times, honking and hurling profanities before passing the victim, standing alone.

Once in front of her, he pointed at her and shouted "you better watch out," and several more racial slurs before driving on, nearly causing an accident in the process, the DA's office said.

Dash cam video from the Aston Police Department vehicle confirmed the video provided by the witnesses.

All witnesses reported feeling personally threatened by the words and actions of Setnick.

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