Last teen in Lucero stabbing pleads guilty

PATCHOGUE Anthony Hartford's plea Wednesday to gang assault and other charges closes the prosecution phase of a case that attracted international headlines. It prompted an ongoing U.S. Justice Department probe of police responses to bias crimes.

The 18-year-old admitted being with a group that targeted Hispanics for violence in November 2008. Their attacks culminated in the killing of immigrant Marcelo Lucero (mar-SEHL'-oh loo-SEHR'-oh) in Patchogue (PACH'-awg).

A week ago, 19-year-old Jeffrey Conroy was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was convicted of manslaughter as a hate crime.

Five others are awaiting sentencing.