Couple found Guilty of Intimidating Neighbor Believed to be Muslim

A jury has found a Jersey City couple guilty in connection with threats they made to a neighbor they believed to be a Muslim.

William Ong, 76, and Beverly Ong, 73, had been charged with making threatening statements about the neighbor’s religion on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2018.

Yesterday, the Hudson County jury convicted both of the Ongs of Bias Intimidation. William Ong was acquitted of a charge of Terroristic Threats.

The verdict was delivered before Judge Vincent J. Militello, following a two day trial.

Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on June 7. 

“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.