40-Year Sentence for Hate Crimes Against Orthodox Jewish Community

Series of Assaults in Lakewood Result in Severe Legal Repercussions

Morristown, NJ — Dion Marsh, a 29-year-old from Manchester, New Jersey, has been sentenced to a lengthy 40 years in prison for a series of violent hate crimes targeting members of the Orthodox Jewish community in and around Lakewood, New Jersey. This sentencing was announced today by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“The threat from hate-fueled violence is a sad reality that impacts far too many people across our state and our nation. This defendant previously admitted to violently attacking five men, driving a car into four of them, stabbing one of them in the chest, and attempting to kill them simply because they were visibly identifiable as Orthodox Jews. The sentence imposed today holds Marsh accountable for his brutal and hate-filled rampage,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Marsh 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. His violent spree on April 8, 2022, began with a carjacking and assault on a visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man, escalating to multiple vehicular and physical attacks on several others over the course of the day.

“Enough is enough – hate-fueled attacks on the Orthodox Jewish community are abhorrent, unlawful, and contrary to our values as Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we aggressively work to confront and eradicate antisemitic violence, we recognize the unique vulnerabilities faced by Orthodox Jews who are often targeted because of religious clothing and yarmulkes."

The attacks, documented by surveillance and detailed in court, included Marsh deliberately striking individuals with stolen vehicles and stabbing one man in the chest, resulting in serious injuries including broken bones and internal injuries.

“These victims were targeted by Marsh because of the way they were dressed, which is in accordance with their religious beliefs,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “They have that right in this country. Marsh, however, did not have the right and broke federal law, when he attacked, stabbed, and carjacked innocent people."

The court's decision reflects the gravity of Marsh's actions, which targeted victims based on their religious identity. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi sentenced Marsh to five years of supervised release.

This case underscores the severity of hate crimes and the commitment of federal and local authorities to uphold justice for all community members, regardless of religious affiliation. The significant prison term handed down serves as a stern warning against the perpetration of hate-based violence.