Racist business owner sentenced for viral road rage exchange

Remember the racist business owner who was caught on video calling a black man the ‘n-word’ last summer? We’ve got an update on him.

Jeffrey Whitman, owner of Uriah’s Heating and Cooling, pleaded guilty to ethnic intimidation, a reduction from the original disorderly conduct charge, reports NBC4i. He was given a six-month suspended jail sentence and a $500 fine for the road rage episode.

The victim, Charles Lovett, is disappointed with the sentencing and wishes Whitman would’ve been given more jail time.

The July incident stemmed from Whitman believing Lovett had cut him off in Morse Road traffic near I-71 and Sinclair Road.

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“I just want to let you know what a n****r you are,” Whitman said to Lovett from his company van.

Lovett captured the encounter on video and posted it to Facebook where it quickly went viral.

Soon after the altercation, NBC4i caught up with Whitman who told reporters he did not regret calling Lovett the ‘n-word.’ He’s since changed his mind.

“I would like to apologize to Mr. Lovett and his family. What I’ve done, and, ugh, I deeply regret it, and it is genuine,” said Whitman in court.

Also in court, Whitman admitted to losing his $400,000 a year business and is looking into filing bankruptcy.

Whitman’s lawyer Mark Collins said he had received professional help, counseling, and participated in outreach with the African American community.

Lovett has since gotten his Concealed Carry Permit because he says he lives in fear, reports NBC4i.

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