A man accused of instigating a violent, racially charged brawl in downtown Cincinnati that left a woman unconscious is now facing federal drug charges, prosecutors announced this week.
Jermaine Mathews, 39, was indicted for conspiracy and intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as operating a premises in Cincinnati for the purpose of drug trafficking. Three alleged co-conspirators were also charged.
Already Facing Riot and Assault Charges
Mathews had previously been identified as a primary coordinator of the July 26 brawl in downtown Cincinnati. He was already facing local charges of aggravated riot and assault and was out on bond when federal agents rearrested him with assistance from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
He is one of eight people charged for their alleged roles in the attack, which nearly killed a woman identified only as Holly.
The Attack
The assault occurred shortly after 3 a.m. when Holly was celebrating a friend’s birthday outside a nightclub. Video footage shows her knocked unconscious after her head struck the pavement, with blood pooling from her nose. Authorities said it was a miracle she survived.
Holly, a white woman, was attacked by a mob of black assailants. Local officials, under pressure from community leaders, also charged Alex Tchervinski, a white man who was himself beaten during the brawl. Leaders claimed he used racial slurs, demanding he face charges as well.
Federal Charges for Others
Mathews is now the second suspect from the brawl to be indicted on unrelated federal crimes. Montianez Merriweather, 34, was charged on Aug. 13 with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
What’s Next
Mathews was arraigned on Aug. 14 and remains in custody. If convicted of the drug charges alone, he faces significant prison time. Federal prosecutors emphasized the case reflects their effort to tackle both violent crime and drug trafficking in Cincinnati.
