Three men are facing criminal charges after allegedly harassing a group of students praying inside a University of South Florida parking garage.
The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office announced that Richard Penkoski, Christopher Svochak, and Ricardo Yepez have been charged with disturbing a religious assembly and disorderly conduct, both classified as misdemeanors.
The incident occurred on November 18, 2025, when a group of 11 students and community members had gathered in the garage to pray. Investigators say the three defendants approached the group and repeatedly disrupted the assembly, ultimately forcing the students to end their gathering.
The State Attorney’s Office confirmed that victim statements and video evidence, including footage posted by the defendants on social media, supported the decision to file charges. Evidence indicates the group was specifically targeted because they were engaged in religious worship. Under Florida Statute 871.01, it is a crime to willfully interrupt or disturb a religious assembly.
Some community members have questioned why the defendants are not facing hate crime enhancements. Officials clarified that while offensive speech may be protected under the Constitution, criminal action—such as disrupting a religious assembly—is prosecutable.
“Our office will defend every person’s right to worship freely, peacefully, and without fear,” the State Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “No one should have to choose between practicing their faith and feeling safe.”
The case was referred directly to the State Attorney by law enforcement, and no arrests were made at the scene. Prosecutors noted that witnesses and victims have been cooperative throughout the investigation.