On Friday, as part of a plea deal with the federal government, Payne pleaded guilty to obstructing the womanâ??s exercise of her religious beliefs. â??Because I forcibly removed K.A.â??s hijab, I admit that the United States can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that I intentionally obstructed K.A.â??s free exercise of her religious beliefs,â? he said in a written statement in the plea agreement.
Payne awaits sentencing. Typically, the maximum penalty under the law for the offense is one year in jail and a fine of up to $100,000, but under the agreement the federal government agreed to two months of home detention, a to-be-determined probation and a possible fine.
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