Racist New Jersey Man Receives 8-Year Prison Sentence for Viral Video Racial Slurs

A New Jersey man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for being caught on camera "harassing and using racial slurs against several of his neighbors," according to a press release from the Burlington County Prosecutors Office. Edward C. Mathews was sentenced on Friday following a police investigation that began in 2021, which uncovered "a pattern of abuse from Mathews against his neighbors that included leaving a threatening note on one of their vehicles," the prosecutors office said.

The 47-year-old man is under investigation by the police after being found using racial slurs during a verbal altercation with four residents, according to a release. Additionally, he was captured on a neighbor's doorbell camera in July 2021 making lewd gestures while using a racial slur.

According to an affidavit, the neighbor, a Black woman who serves on the homeowners association board (HOA), reported to the police that Mathews had directed racial slurs at her over the course of several months. The affidavit also alleges that Mathews' actions were intended to intimidate her into leaving the neighborhood.

Edward Mathews

Burlington County Prosecutor's Office

New Jersey man arrested after video allegedly shows him shouting racial slurs at neighbors

Mathews confessed to four counts of bias intimidation and drug offenses in October. The prosecution's press release revealed that psilocin mushrooms, a type of hallucinogenic mushroom, were discovered in his home. During his sentencing hearing, Mathews pleaded for leniency, expressing regret for his past insensitive and disrespectful words towards the victims. He also accepted responsibility and apologized for his actions. This information was reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The judge ruled that he must serve a minimum of four years in prison before being considered for parole, stated Joel Bewley, public information officer for the Burlington County Prosecutors office. "Our office is dedicated to fighting bias crimes and conveying a strong message that such behavior will not be accepted in our community," stated Burlington County Prosecutor Bradshaw in a statement. "No one should have to go through what these victims went through."

CNNs Zenebou Sylla contributed to this report.