SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A Mount Laurel man seen in a viral video making racist remarks will not be released from jail until he faces trial for the charges against him.
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Edward Mathews has been ordered held for trial in Burlington County. He is facing more than a dozen charges, including bias intimidation, unlawful possession of a weapon and stalking.
The 45-year-old was seen harassing his Black neighbors in a video that went viral.
Judge Terrance Cook cited the numerous complaints against Mathews — his 11 missed court appearances since 1996, his lengthy criminal record, and the racial nature of the allegations against him — which he said are the reasons why he is considered a danger to the public and should not be released.
“His criminal record is extensive with 20 convictions, 11 of those being prior indictables and one of those being a prior violent conviction,” said Cook. “I do note that the convictions are somewhat remote in time. The most current is 2012.”
The judge said there are no assurances that Mathews would live peacefully or appear at court for his hearings if he were released.
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Neighbors say they have been complaining about Mathews for years, saying he is an open racist and has been harassing his Black neighbors constantly. He is accused of breaking windows and repeatedly shouting racial slurs.
Mathews’ viral rant — which later prompted a massive protest outside his house — shows him and a Black neighbor arguing. Mathews hurls racist epithets at the man and other neighbors.
Mathews is being held in the Burlington County Jail until his next hearing on Aug. 25, though he does have the right to appeal.