Former Trader Ed's Manager Arraigned On Civil Rights Charges

BARNSTABLE, MA — Former Trader Ed's manager John Shea faces civil rights charges after a racist encounter was captured on video in late May, leading to him also stepping away from the business.

On Thursday, a Barnstable County Grand Jury returned indictments against Shea, 60, of Hyannis, for civil rights violations, assault with the intent to intimidate based on race or color, assault and battery with the intent to intimidate based on race or color, intimidation of a witness and three counts of threats to commit a crime.

The indictments arise out of an incident that occurred May 31 at about 11:30 p.m. on the sidewalk of Main Street, Hyannis, in the vicinity of Embargo Restaurant.

Clips of Shea were spread widely on social media showing him engaging in a confrontation with a group of people outside the restaurant.

In addition to referring to one of the people by a racial slur, Shea told Millyan Phillips — who shared additional video with the Cape Cod Times — that "you'll get shot in the head." In another Shea said Phillips could "end up in a grave."

Shea was arraigned on the charges today in Barnstable Superior Court before Judge Mark Gildea. Shea was released on $2,500 bail. The case was continued to July 31, for pretrial conference in Barnstable Superior Court.

Read more: Hyannis Trader Ed's Manager Out After Video Of Racist Confrontation