Activist accused of anti-gay hate crimes expected to take plea deal

The man Dallas police say spray painted "666" in areas around Oak Lawn is unlikely to serve jail time.

Richard Sheridan is an outspoken, anti-gay activist. He has a plea deal that could mean he serves probation and pays restitution for vandalism and hate-crime charges.

The "Legacy of Love" AIDS monument  was one of 12 locations targeted with red spray paint last spring, which Sheridan called a biblical warning.

The deal includes two years of probation and restitution, instead of two-to-ten years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine, but despite his attorney's advice to take the plea deal, Sheridan tells Fox 4 he's considering challenging his case. Court documents filed February 8th to remove his court appointed attorney shows they aren't on the same page.

The Resource Center in Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, the media and the Dallas establishment are what Sheridan claims are part of a "vendetta agenda" to make him look like a hateful man.

When Sheridan asked for a change of venue for his case, the 68-year-old says it fell on deaf ears. He also claims the district attorney lied when he said the case didn't qualify to be heard somewhere else.

Sheridan's next court date is April 15th for formal sentencing and restitution consideration. He's expected to get probation for the hate crime and vandalism charges. If he violates his terms of probation, he could face jail time.