Edward Mathews of New Jersey was sentenced to eight years in jail for racially assaulting his black neighbors. The 47-year-old rose to prominence in July 2021 after a viral incident in which he hurled racial epithets and spat on a black neighbor.
Further inquiry revealed that Mathews had a history of intimidating black residents of the Essex Palace condominium complex near Philadelphia. According to the Daily Mail, he was seen sobbing in court when the punishment was handed out.
Victims said in court that the accused engaged in a pattern of harassment that included firing BB pellets at cars, racial slurs, feces on property, and sending threatening emails and letters to victims. In court, a chained Mathews, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, apologized for his previous “insensitive and disrespectful words.” He expressed regret for the consequences of his acts and revealed that they had lost him his marriage and family.
Shannon Schwartzhoff, his ex-wife, denied charges that he is a racist, pointing out that many of his acquaintances were black. She blamed the racist event on drink, saying he was inebriated and dealing with community issues, such as missing monies in the Home Owners’ Association.
Assistant County Prosecutor Jamie Hutchinson read victim impact statements from four people linked with the Mount Laurel condominium, who were mostly in their 60s and 70s. They were unable to speak in court due to fears of retaliation. LeRon Brown, a black former homeowners’ association president, and his white wife, Denise, had resided there since 2001 but were forced to leave in 2021 owing to several altercations with Mathews. Mathews’ bullying drove another black homeowner’s association member to relocate.
Jamie Hutchinson, an assistant county prosecutor, contended that Mathews has a lengthy criminal record. Mathews was found with a slingshot, 30 rounds of ball-bearing ammo, and hallucinogenic mushrooms despite having 11 felony convictions since 1995, including narcotics crimes that barred weapon possession.
During his prison term, Judge Gerard Breland ordered him to pay $4,408 in reparations and attend racial sensitivity training. Mathews, who has been detained since his arrest, will be given credit for the 886 days he has spent in jail. In around 16 months, he will be eligible for parole.