Victim Becomes Suspect In Alleged Hate Crime
Former Housemate Accused Of Terrorizing Family

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Victims of Hate Crimes A case of alleged hate crime in Des Moines has a bizarre ending.

Several times over the winter, the Hermasillo family (pictured, left) thought they were the targets of hate crimes.

Two of the family's cars were set on fire and their house at 317 S.W. Watrous Ave. in Des Moines was broken into and vandalized.

"The house was a mess, graffitti on the walls -- KKK, wetbacks, go back to Mexico -- on the door here, was a Nazi sign," Luis Silva told KCCI in February.

Silva (pictured, right) lived in the house with the Hermasillo family, but he was later kicked out of the house.

Des Moines police now say Silva is accused of doing the vandalism.

"He fabricated everything," Sgt. Tony Steverson said.

Steverson said Silva burned cars and vandalized the Hermasillo's home in an effort to convince the family he was needed as protection.

Silva is charged with arson, stalking, criminal mischief and filing false police reports. He is being held in the Polk County Jail.

http://www.kcci.com/news/3031601/detail.html