Allan Chandler Muller III was formally acquitted Wednesday after an Okaloosa County jury found him not guilty of aggravated battery in relation to an alleged hate crime that occurred in July 2020. The trial lasted three days, and was presided over by the Honorable Judge John T. Brown.

Muller was represented by local criminal defense attorneys T.S. Lupella and David Rehr of the law firm, Lupella & Rehr.  T.S. Lupella was lead defense counsel for Mr. Muller. “It is a shame this case went this far, and that the only way we could resolve it was taking it to a jury trial,” Lupella said. “This nightmare was an ordeal endured by Mr. Muller and his family for over three years since the alleged incident. To finally get vindication after all this time is really satisfying, although getting to this point has not been easy.” Muller had previously sought relief through a “Stand Your Ground” legal challenge but that motion was denied.

During the early morning hours of July 4, 2020, Muller was on a fishing charter boat that he was working on as a crew member. The boat was docked in the Destin harbor. He saw two individuals that appeared suspicious, walking up and down docks near boats. When they came up to his work vessel, he told them they needed to leave. Muller tried to walk them away from his and other docked vessels and back up the boardwalk.

While doing so, an altercation began. Another man, also a crew member on a fishing vessel, saw what was happening and ran to Muller’s defense. During the altercation, Muller was struck first in the face, and then struck back. One of the two individuals who had come to Muller’s vessel suffered a jaw fracture injury. The man who was injured told authorities that he believed he was
targeted because of his race, which was half white and half Asian.

This led to an abbreviated investigation of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department resulting in Muller being charged with aggravated battery with great bodily harm. The charge was further augmented pursuant to a hate crime enhancement which meant that Muller faced 30 years in prison if convicted.

After the jury verdict was read stating he was not guilty, Muller shared hugs with his family and both of his lawyers–a clearly emotional moment. He will now return
home to his wife and family in Alabama.