Downtown Altercation Participant Faces Federal Drug Charges: Jermaine Mathews and Four Others Indicted for Narcotics Trafficking
One of the individuals involved in the downtown altercation is now facing federal drug charges. Jermaine Mathews, aged 39, has been accused, alongside four others, of conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. The indictment alleges that Mathews conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and operated a location on Kenton Street in Cincinnati for narcotics trafficking. He also faces local charges of aggravated riot and assault related to the downtown incident on July 26. Mathews posted a $270,000 bond for the local charges but was arrested by federal agents on Monday for the federal charges.
The federal case includes four other individuals from Cincinnati: Jerome Mitchell, aged 41, Terence Huff, aged 41, and Clarence Williams, aged 42. Another suspect involved in the brawl, Montianez Merriweather, aged 34, is facing a federal charge for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Merriweather was arrested last month for his alleged participation in the violent downtown altercation. Investigators found that he had a pistol on July 2, which was prohibited due to his felony conviction.
The videos of the brawl have circulated widely on social media, sparking national outrage and prompting responses from city officials and politicians. The incident has led to the arrest of eight individuals thus far. The legal proceedings continue as the individuals face charges at both the local and federal levels.