NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The Mount Laurel man who went viral for a racist rant against his neighbors in 2021 is now facing years in prison.
On Friday, 47-year-old Edward Mathews was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of bias intimidation and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute in October.
In court, Mathews wept as he begged for leniency on his sentence that stems from a July 2, 2021 complaint from his neighbor, where Mathews berated him with racial slurs and threats.
The verbal attack was filmed and posted to social media. A few days later, a large protest gathered in front of Mathews’ house as police took him into custody.
Neighbors had been complaining about Mathews for years before the video went viral, saying he’s an open racist known for constantly harassing his Black neighbors. He was accused of breaking windows, repeatedly shouting racial slurs, and even leaving a threatening note on one of his neighbor’s cars, which he smeared with feces.
Mount Laurel Police searched his home, and seized a slingshot and ball bearings that matched the description of vehicles that Mathews allegedly damaged, as well as hallucinogenic drugs. He also allegedly stalked one of the owners of those vehicles.
Mathews will have to serve at least four of his eight-year sentence before being eligible for parole.