A central Virginia man has been convicted of committing a hate crime against a co-worker.

James William Hill III, 36, of Chester, assaulted a co-worker at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Chester in May 2015. Evidence showed that he did it because of the co-worker's perceived sexual orientation and, afterward, he admitted to an Amazon manager and a Chesterfield County Police Officer that he dislikes people who are gay.

He added that he thought people who are gay should expect to be assaulted because of their sexual orientation.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney found Hill guilty of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when his sentencing happens.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Chesterfield County Police Department.