Ocean county man gets 40-year sentence for hate crimes against orthodox jews

Trenton, NJ — An Ocean County man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for committing a series of violent hate crimes against members of the Orthodox Jewish community in and around Lakewood, New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced the sentencing, emphasizing the severe impact of hate-fueled violence.

Dion Marsh, 29, of Manchester, New Jersey, had earlier pleaded guilty to charges including five counts under the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and one count of carjacking. Marsh admitted to the willful bodily harm of five victims, attempting to kill and cause injuries with dangerous weapons to four of them because they were Jewish.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger remarked on the urgency of addressing hate crimes, noting Marsh’s attacks were aimed at individuals because they were visibly identifiable as Orthodox Jews. He stressed the importance of protecting civil rights in New Jersey.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke condemned the attacks, highlighting the broader effort to combat antisemitic violence in the U.S. She noted the particular vulnerabilities of Orthodox Jews, often targeted for their religious attire.

FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy detailed the attacks, including carjackings and physical assaults that Marsh carried out on April 8, 2022. The series of crimes resulted in severe injuries, including broken bones and stab wounds, suffered by the victims.

In addition to his prison term, Marsh will undergo five years of supervised release, as ordered by U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi.

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