MUNCIE, Indiana – A Delaware County man was sentenced to the maximum penalty after an act of racial intimidation against a Muncie police officer.

Trenton Whitaker-Blakely was found guilty of intimidation on May 6, 2024 and sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Whitaker-Blakely allegedly confronted a black police officer outside her patrol car on January 18, 2024. When she arrived, he was wearing a white pillowcase with eye holes over his face and was crouched next to her patrol car. Whitaker-Blakely yelled a racial slur at the officer as she retrieved items from her car.

The patrol car was parked outside Muncie City Hall. The officer went inside, where Whitaker-Blakely was seen on surveillance video. He was then pursued to a homeless shelter, where he was taken into custody.

Whitaker-Blakely admitted to using racial slurs against the officer. Police also linked him to the American Nazi Party and admitted to attending white supremacist meetings.

Delaware County District Attorney Eric Hoffman issued a statement saying, “The facts of this case are very disturbing. Intolerance, hatred and bigotry have no place in our society. The Delaware County District Attorney's Office does not tolerate intimidation of any kind, especially racially motivated intimidation.”

The judge specifically cited Whitaker-Blakely's racist views in imposing the maximum sentence. He also cited other statements by Whitaker-Blakely, including threats to kill “all Christians” and Governor Holcomb. He also has previous convictions for intimidation, assault on public safety officers and resisting arrest.

Under Indiana state law, Whitaker-Blakely's 30-month prison sentence is the maximum penalty for a Level 6 felony.