Seventh Cincinnati assault suspect arrested over violent beatdown

A suspect, labeled by prosecutors as the initiator of the widely viewed July 26 downtown Cincinnati altercation, faces new legal issues, now involving federal authorities. 

Jermaine Mathews, aged 39, has been charged with federal drug offenses, according to a release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio on Monday afternoon. 

“The superseding indictment alleges Mathews was involved in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl,” stated United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “He is additionally accused of maintaining a property on Kenton Street in Cincinnati for narcotics trafficking.” 

Suspect in the Cincinnati viral beating in court

Jermaine Mathews, 39, stands before Municipal Court Judge Michael Peck during his arraignment for charges linked to the early morning downtown incident on July 26, 2025. His bond was established at $100,000, on July 30, 2025. His attorney, Brandon Fox, stands at right. (Liz Dufour/The Enquirer, Imagn)

Upon his arraignment for the new charges on Aug. 14, Mathews’ bond was kept at $100,000. 

His lawyer, Brandon Fox, declined to comment. 

He becomes the second out of eight individuals arrested in connection to the assault to face federal charges, though, in both instances, the federal allegations are unrelated to the accused assault.

On Aug. 13, Montianez Merriweather, 34, was charged with illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. 

Recently charged in the case is one of the victims, 45-year-old Alex Tchervinski. He is observed slapping one of the assailants in the viral footage and has been accused of disorderly conduct. 

Cincinnati assault victim Alex Tchervinski

Exclusive photos obtained by Fox News show Alex Tchervinski’s injuries from the viral beatdown in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 26, 2025. Tchervinski, who is considered a victim in the case, has been charged with with disorderly conduct for his alleged role in the fight.  (Fox News Channel)

Tchervinski’s lawyer, Douglas Brannon, said his client was allegedly hit in the head 28 times and robbed during the attack, while trying to protect his girlfriend and another friend during the melee. 

“What this has done, it has made Alex a victim now for the second time by bringing criminal charges against him,” Brannon told Fox News Digital. “What actually occurred is Alex was hit multiple times, before he slapped back in an attempt to try and defend himself and back off this group of thugs.” 

You May Also Like

Lindsay Clancy holdout juror asks for one thing in new video after mistrial drama

Lindsay Clancy Holdout Juror Makes Video Plea After Mistrial

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Michael Desronvil, the only juror who continued to believe…
WATCH: NYPD bodycam captures tense standoff after Bank of America exec fatally stabbed in Times Square

NYPD Bodycam Shows Standoff After Fatal Bank of America Exec Stabbing

Newly released NYPD body camera video captures officers urging Pamela Cisneros to…
Iran under scrutiny after plot foiled near UK base used by US military

Iran Under Scrutiny After Foiled Plot Near UK Base Hosting US Forces

Only days after British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband met Iran’s foreign minister…
Nancy Guthrie cops investigate 'new possible ransom note' almost eight months on from her disappearance

Police Investigate Possible New Ransom Note in Nancy Guthrie Case

Authorities in Arizona are examining what they describe as a new, potentially…
At least 40 rescued, 2 dead as boat capsizes after machete fight near Puerto Rico

2 Dead, 40 Rescued After Machete Fight Capsizes Boat Off Puerto Rico

At least 40 people were pulled from the ocean by the U.S.…
Attorney for lone holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy mistrial pushes back on claims of refusing the law

Lindsay Clancy Mistrial: Holdout Juror’s Lawyer Rejects Law Claims

The lawyer representing the lone holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial…
Chicago Bears game today: 2026 NFL schedule pits football team against Eagles, with Case Keenum expected as QB

Chicago Bears vs. Eagles Today: Case Keenum Expected at QB

CHICAGO () — The Bears will take the national stage Monday night…
'American Idol' alum Caleb Flynn's interview with cops played for jury as testimony wraps in murder case

American Idol Alum Caleb Flynn’s Interview Played for Murder Jury

Former “American Idol” contestant and church pastor Caleb Flynn told police he…
Workers free kittens from shredder that could have 'obliterated' them in purr-fect rescue mission

Workers Save Kittens From Shredder That Could Have Obliterated Them

A frightening ordeal ended with a purr-fect rescue. Three newborn kittens trapped…
Trump to announce largest steel plant in American history to be built in Iowa

Trump to Announce Record-Breaking Steel Plant Planned for Iowa

WASHINGTON — President Trump is set to announce Monday afternoon that Minnesota-based…
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn won't seek another term as Brooklyn Democratic Party chair

Brooklyn Democratic Chair Bichotte Hermelyn Won’t Run Again

New York Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn announced Monday night that she will…
Celebrity publicist rescues unconscious LA surfer from rough surf

Celebrity publicist rescues unconscious surfer from rough Los Angeles surf

A California woman plunged into turbulent ocean water and kept an unconscious…