Jose Ismael Torres was arrested in July 2015 along with 3 other people, including the mother of his 3 children, over an incident at a black child's birthday party. The defendants say it started when a member of a group of African Americans threw an object at their truck, causing it to crash. One of the defendants reportedly pointed a firearm at the mob that confronted them. They trading harsh language, including threats and racial remarks. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

According to the prosecution, Jose and the mother of his children were allegedly riding through town with a group that called themselves "Respect the Flag". This was during the Confederate flag controversy following the Dylann Roof incident.

Jose Ismael Torres was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Act.