Nicholas Klopp

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Nicholas Klopp 27, of Piru, was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon with a hate crime special allegation, assault, and violation of civil rights, by a Ventura
County jury.

On the evening of December 18, 2010, Brian Schumacher and Aaron Argueta were assaulted outside the Osabi restaurant in Ventura after attending a birthday party for a friend. Mr. Schumacher was hit in the face with a glass thrown by Klopp and Mr. Argueta was punched in the face by Klopp. Before and during the assault, Klopp yelled derogatory statements regarding the race and sexual orientation of the victims and members of their group.

Klopp was immediately taken into custody following the verdict.

Sentencing is set for August 18, 2011, at 8:30 a.m., in courtroom 23 of the Ventura County Superior Court.