A federal judge has granted bond to Jermaine Mathews, a suspect in the viral downtown Cincinnati beatdown, despite new federal drug charges. Mathews, 39, was rearrested on Aug. 30 and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as operating a premises for the purpose of trafficking narcotics. The prosecution, represented by Attorney Anthony Springer, argued for his continued custody, citing the brutality of the July 26 assault where Mathews was allegedly seen beating 45-year-old victim Alex Tchervinski. During the bond hearing, Mathews’ attorney, Kara Blackney, emphasized his lack of prior violent felony convictions and his strong ties to the Cincinnati community, including three children, one of whom is a college athlete. Despite the appeal, a federal judge approved the bond, sparking immediate legal contention. Meanwhile, the case has reignited public debate over vigilantism, accountability, and the use of force in public spaces. The victims, who were seen in the viral footage, continue to face legal and medical challenges, with one suffering brain trauma and another charged with disorderly conduct. Five others have been charged locally with three counts of felonious assault, three counts of assault and two counts of aggravated rioting, and another person has been charged with robbery stemming from the incident. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage online, has raised difficult questions about racial dynamics, law enforcement response, and the role of social media in shaping public perception of justice.