A story you won't read about on LGF

A Burbank man pleaded guilty Monday to trying to intimidate a Muslim family in 2003 by throwing a fireworks-type explosive into their unoccupied van.

Eric K. Nix, 27, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of criminal interference with the right to fair housing. The plea came two days before Nix's trial was set to begin in federal court in Chicago.

Nix's case is unusual because he was charged in federal court in July after he had already been convicted in state court of misdemeanor charges stemming from the same incident.

Nix pleaded guilty "blind," or with no plea agreement, in federal court. But in a written statement, Nix admitted that he had targeted the family because they were of Arab descent and had chosen to live in Burbank.

In the statement, Nix also said that he regretted his conduct.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly is to sentence Nix on June 8.