A federal indictment charges Jermaine Mathews with fentanyl trafficking after his alleged role in the viral Cincinnati downtown assault that occurred in July. The indictment is a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings following the July 26 incident, which has drawn national attention due to the severity of the violence. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio has confirmed that Mathews faces additional charges beyond those initially filed, including federal drug conspiracy charges.
According to the superseding indictment, Mathews is responsible for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. This charge is particularly significant as fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has been at the center of the opioid crisis in the United States. The indictment also includes charges of operating a premises on Kenton Street in Cincinnati for the purpose of trafficking narcotics, highlighting the organized nature of the alleged drug operations.
Mathews, who was initially arrested and charged with aggravated riot and assault on July 30, posted a $100,000 bond and was released from jail. He and five others were later charged with three counts of felonious assault, three counts of assault and two counts of aggravated rioting for their alleged participation in the assault that occurred at around 3 a.m. outside LoVe, a nightclub in the downtown business district of Cincinnati.
The legal proceedings have been marked by a series of developments, including the arraignment of Mathews on August 14, where his bond was maintained at $100,000. His lawyer, Brandon Fox, did not provide any comments, indicating a potential lack of public engagement from the defense. This case is part of a broader legal landscape where multiple individuals involved in the incident have faced charges, with the federal charges being unrelated to the alleged assault itself.
Other individuals, including one of the victims, have also been charged with various offenses. Alex Tchervinski, 45, a victim of the attack, has been charged with disorderly conduct following his visible reaction in the viral video. Tchervinski’s lawyer, Douglas Brannon, emphasized that his client was a victim of the attack, having been hit multiple times before slapping back in an attempt to defend himself. This underscores the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding the charges against the victims, further complicating the case.
The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings reflect the multifaceted nature of the incident, involving both criminal behavior and the personal consequences faced by those involved. The indictment of Mathews on federal drug charges signals a continued effort by law enforcement to address both the violence and the drug-related aspects of the incident. As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the broader issues of public safety, legal accountability, and the impact of such events on individuals and communities.