Cincinnati Assault Suspect Granted Federal Bond Amid New Drug Charges
In a case that has captivated national attention, 39-year-old Jermaine Mathews, one of the primary figures in a violent downtown Cincinnati assault that went viral in July, has been granted bond on federal charges despite prosecution efforts to keep him detained. The decision came during a Wednesday federal court hearing after Mathews was arrested on August 25 on serious drug charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and operating a narcotics trafficking premises. This development adds another layer of complexity to a case that has already sparked significant community outrage and debate about violence and justice in the city.
The prosecution, led by Anthony Springer, vigorously opposed Mathews’ release, presenting photos allegedly showing him assaulting 45-year-old Alex Tchervinski during the July 26 street attack that was captured on video and widely shared across social media. The shocking footage showed several individuals attacking two white victims at the intersection of Fourth and Elm Streets, triggering heated discussions about the nature and motivation behind the assault. Despite the prosecution’s arguments and the gravity of both the assault and drug charges, defense attorney Kara Blackney successfully convinced the court that Mathews’ community ties—including his three children, one of whom is a college athlete—and his lack of prior violent felony convictions warranted his release on bond.
What makes this case particularly noteworthy is that Mathews had previously posted a substantial $270,000 bond on local charges stemming from the same incident, including multiple counts of felonious assault and aggravated rioting. His defense emphasized that despite being free on this earlier bond, Mathews had not attempted to flee the area—a factor that apparently influenced the federal judge’s decision to grant bond on the new federal charges. However, the prosecution immediately appealed this decision, meaning Mathews must remain in custody at the Butler County Jail until the appellate process concludes, demonstrating the ongoing legal tug-of-war in this high-profile case.
The July incident that catapulted this case into the national spotlight was described by authorities as a coordinated attack. Video footage showed several Black individuals assaulting two White victims, raising questions about potential racial motivations, though officials have not explicitly characterized it as a hate crime. Interestingly, Tchervinski, one of the victims who reportedly suffered 28 blows to the head during the assault, was himself charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly slapping someone during the altercation. His attorney has claimed this action was in self-defense after Tchervinski had already endured multiple strikes, highlighting the complex dynamics of the confrontation that have made this case particularly challenging for prosecutors and the community alike.
The second victim, identified only as Holly, suffered even more severe consequences, including brain trauma with uncertain prospects for full recovery. The severity of these injuries has heightened public interest in the case and intensified scrutiny of how the judicial system handles violent offenders. Beyond Mathews, five additional individuals face multiple serious charges including felonious assault and aggravated rioting in connection with the incident, while another person has been charged with robbery, indicating the broad scope of the criminal activity that unfolded that July day in downtown Cincinnati.
As this case continues to wind through both federal and local court systems, it serves as a flashpoint for broader societal discussions about urban violence, the bail system, and the intersection of drug crimes with violent offenses. The federal judge’s decision to grant bond—immediately contested by prosecutors—reflects the difficult balancing act the justice system faces when weighing individual rights against public safety concerns. Meanwhile, community members and the victims’ families await final resolutions on all charges, hoping for a conclusion that delivers justice while helping the community heal from an incident that has left both physical and emotional scars on those involved and the Cincinnati community at large.
