New Federal Charges for Cincinnati Suspect
Jermaine Matthews, 39, has found himself in legal hot water again, this time concerning the violent altercation known as the Cincinnati Beatdown that occurred on July 26. Prosecutors are calling him the “man who started” the incident.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, Matthews faces federal drug charges. He was released on Monday afternoon, but it appears his troubles are far from over. “The new charges allege that he conspired to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl,” U.S. Attorney Dominic S. Jerez II stated, adding that he also operated a facility on Kenton Street in Cincinnati with intentions relating to human trafficking.
Described as a key “coordinator” in the downtown brawl, Matthews was previously charged locally with aggravated riots and assault. He was arrested by federal agents, along with an official from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Three other men from Cincinnati are also facing charges as co-conspirators.
Initially, Matthews was arrested and charged with aggravated riots and assault on July 30. After posting a $100,000 bond, he was released. He, along with five others, faced multiple felony charges related to a violent incident outside the Love nightclub in downtown Cincinnati.
In a twist, Matthews’ situation took a turn when he was arrested again on August 14, resulting in his bail remaining at $100,000. His lawyer, Brandon Fox, did not comment on the case. Interestingly, Matthews is now the second individual, out of eight arrested in connection with the assault, to be charged federally, although these charges are unrelated to the violence.
On August 13, another suspect, 34-year-old Montianez Merriweather, was charged for illegal firearm possession due to being a previously convicted felon. In a strange turn of events, Alex Chichelbinski, one of the alleged victims who appeared in a viral video, is also facing charges for disorderly conduct after he was seen slapping one of the attackers.
According to Douglas Brannon, Chichelbinski’s lawyer, his client endured significant injuries during the attack, being struck numerous times. “This situation forced Alex into a position where he faced criminal charges himself,” Brannon said, emphasizing that his client was merely trying to defend himself against the group.
