July 6, 2021
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Edward C. Mathews, 45, of the 3600 block of Gramercy Way in Mount Laurel, was taken into custody yesterday evening at his residence and is presently in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was scheduled for a first appearance today in Superior Court. The Prosecutor’s Office has moved to detain him, and he will be held pending a detention hearing, likely on Friday, July 9.
Statement from Burlington County Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina Regarding Bias Crime in Mount Laurel:
“It is difficult to overstate how vile and despicable the conduct by this defendant towards his neighbors was on Friday night. No one should ever have to deal with such hatred thrown in their face anywhere, but especially on their own doorstep. Once again, I want to commend the victims for showing incredible restraint in the midst of this unprovoked rant by the defendant. We recognize the justifiable outrage of the community – of ALL members of the community – at the defendant’s conduct, and vow to see this prosecution through so that justice is done.
That said, it was unfortunate that some participants in yesterday’s protest resorted to violence and the destruction of property, including that of the defendant’s neighbors, as officers tried to escort the defendant from his home to the waiting patrol car. We will be reviewing evidence from the scene and will hold accountable anyone who committed criminal acts yesterday.
We appreciate those members of the community who came forward with information and video evidence to support the charges we brought against the defendant over the weekend. We are all in this together, and we urge anyone with information or evidence of prior incidents involving this defendant to come forward and present it to Mount Laurel Police Department or our Office.
We also vow to work with our elected officials, the Mount Laurel Police Department, community leaders, and members of the public to help the community heal and move past this incident. The law enforcement community will do everything within our power to make all our residents, no matter their background, feel safe and welcome in their homes, and wherever they work, play or go to school in Burlington County.”
Information can be submitted to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office at [email protected], to Mount Laurel Police Department at [email protected], or by calling the Mount Laurel Police Department’s Confidential Tip Line at 856-234-1414, extension 1599
- Edward C. Mathews, 45
Edward C. Mathews, 45
On Friday July 2nd, at approximately 7:50 PM, a resident of the 3800 block of Gramercy Way reported that she is continually harassed by her neighbor, Edward Cagney Mathews, age 45. A disturbing video was widely circulated on social media showing Mathews shouting offensive and racial slurs at his neighbors. An investigation was conducted resulting in Mathews being charged with harassment and biased intimidation. The charges were placed on a summons by a municipal court judge to be heard at future court appearance. The Mount Laurel Police Department does not tolerate hate or bias intimidation in any form. This type of behavior is totally unacceptable. We can assure our residents that incidents like this are thoroughly investigated and that those who commit such offenses will be held accountable for their actions.
We are actively investigating other incidents involving this suspect. If anyone has information on these incidents, you are kindly asked to contact Mount Laurel Police Department at 856-234-8300 or the confidential tip line 856-234-1414 Ext. 1599