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Verdict in Racism Case: In a case of racial discrimination in New Jersey, the court has pronounced an 8-year prison sentence for a construction foreman. During the trial, he made a profound statement that everyone should read...
Trenton: A significant verdict was pronounced in a racial discrimination case on Saturday in New Jersey. The case involved allegations against a white individual for mistreating his Black neighbors, using offensive language, and even spitting on one person, as seen in a viral video. Now, facing justice, the guilty party broke down in court, revealing that he has nowhere to go. While serving time in jail, he lost all his assets, and not only that, his family life has also been disrupted, leading to his wife divorcing him. Remarkably, the court, considering all the evidence, has decided to sentence the arrogant individual to 8 years of imprisonment.
Viral Video from Two and a Half Years Ago
It is worth mentioning that a video went viral on social media in July 2021, showing a white person engaging in racial misconduct with a Black individual, spitting on them. Subsequent investigations revealed that Edward Matthews, residing in Essex Palace Condominiums in Mount Laurel, 17 miles east of Philadelphia, had been terrorizing his Black neighbors for years. Matthews, an active-duty Air Force member, was seen spitting on his Black neighbor, making derogatory remarks about Africa, and using racial slurs. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer report, victims described how Matthews shot BB pellets at their cars, called them derogatory names, vandalized their properties, and sent threatening emails and letters.
Here is Edward Matthews' criminal record:
On the other hand, Assistant County Prosecutor Jamie Hutchison revealed Edward Matthews' criminal record, stating that he had read impact statements from four current or former residents of Mount Laurel Condominium Association. All were deeply concerned about seeking revenge in court, mainly in the 60s and 70s. Leron Brown, the former president of the Homeowners Association (who is white), left his neighborhood with his wife Denise in 2021 after several disputes with Matthews. This couple had been residing there since the development opened in 2001. In a statement, Denise Brown wrote, "What he did will forever be a nightmare of fear and anxiety he instilled in me. I am constantly watching over my shoulder and trusting no one." Following Matthews' misconduct, another white member of the Homeowners Association also left. Interestingly, he has been facing 11 criminal cases since 1995, including drug-related charges that resulted in a ban on him possessing weapons. Yet, a slingshot and 30 rounds of ball-bearing ammunition, along with hallucinogenic mushrooms, were found in his home.
Regret - Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.
Now that the time has come for construction foreman Edward Matthews to face the consequences of his sins, he broke down in tears in court. Wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and handcuffs, Matthews asked for forgiveness for his wrongful actions. He expressed remorse that his actions had harmed his family, leading to his wife filing for divorce and selling their townhome. Although Matthews' ex-wife Shannon Schwartzhoff told an English news website in 2021 that Matthews was not racist and that some of his best friends were Black, Matthews now claimed he was inebriated and facing numerous issues with the Homeowners Association in the neighboring community. Some money also went missing. Additionally, Foreman Matthews stated that he lost all his assets during the past three years spent in jail. He told the judge, "Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. I want to be committed to rebuilding the community."
Court's Decision on the Sentence
According to The Inquirer's report, Justice Gerard Breland sentenced Matthews to 8 years in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $4,408. Matthews is also mandated to undergo sensitivity training on racism while in jail. However, as per the court's orders, Matthews has been in custody since his arrest, and he will receive credit for the 886 days spent in jail. He may become eligible for parole in approximately 16 months.