Trenton, NJ – A man from Ocean County, New Jersey, Dion Marsh, 29, of Manchester, admitted to a series of violent assaults against members of the Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood, New Jersey, according to announcements from U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. Marsh pleaded guilty in Trenton federal court to charges under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, including five counts related to hate crimes and one count of carjacking.
Marsh’s crimes involved willfully causing bodily harm and attempting to kill four individuals with dangerous weapons, motivated by their Jewish identity. The attacks were characterized by extreme violence, including driving a car into four victims and stabbing another. These actions were not only condemned as hate crimes but also underscored a troubling rise in antisemitic violence nationwide.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger emphasized the importance of holding Marsh accountable for his actions, which targeted individuals based on their religious attire and visible identity as Orthodox Jews. Assistant Attorney General Clarke reiterated the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting hate crimes vigorously, highlighting the societal need to combat violence fueled by bigotry.
FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy highlighted the distinction between harboring hate and acting violently upon it, stressing the legal repercussions of such actions and urging community members to report hate crimes. The FBI aims to ensure that victims of hate crimes feel supported and that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The series of attacks occurred on April 8, 2022, beginning with a carjacking in Lakewood and escalating to multiple assaults, including vehicular attacks and a stabbing. Each victim was targeted for their Orthodox Jewish faith, as evidenced by their traditional attire.
Marsh’s sentencing is scheduled for June 11, 2024. The charges against him carry significant maximum prison terms and fines, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the federal government’s stance on hate crimes. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against hate-fueled violence and the imperative to protect the civil rights of all individuals.