Hudson Jury Finds Jersey City Couple Guilty of Bias Crime For Threatening Neighbor Between 2016 & 2018

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information today regarding a jury decision which found a Jersey City couple guilty of bias intimidation against a neighbor over a three year period:

On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, a Hudson County jury found a Jersey City couple guilty of bias intimidation for threatening a neighbor on various dates between 2016 and 2018.  William Ong, 76, and Beverly Ong, 73, were each convicted of bias intimidation, a crime of the fourth degree.  The verdict was delivered before the Honorable Vincent J. Militello, J.S.C. following a two day trial.

William Ong was found not guilty of terroristic threats.  Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, June 7, 2022

The investigation determined that William and Beverly Ong made threatening and harassing statements to a neighbor, who they believed to be Muslim, about his religion on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2018.  “Hudson County is one of the most diverse communities in the country and there is no place for hate or discrimination here, or anywhere,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.  “The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to prosecuting anyone responsible for bias crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”

Anyone who believes they are the victim of a bias crime is encouraged to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 201-915-1234.

The State was represented at trial by Assistant Prosecutor John Burke.