Two Men Arraigned In Connection With Racist Dracut Assault

DRACUT, MA — Jeremy Stephenson, 36 of Plaistow, New Hampshire and James Stephenson, 39 of Salem, New Hampshire were arraigned this week in Middlesex Superior Court on charges of assaulting a man in Dracut. In a press release, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Dracut Chief of Police Peter Bartlett said the two brothers assaulted a 22-year-old man while yelling racial slurs at him. The assault took place in the parking lot of the Dracut 7-11, in front of Palace Pizza, Ryan's office said.

The assault took place Sept. 27, when the Stephensons pulled into a parking lot and after parking "immediately began to accost the victim and ultimately physically assault him," prosecutors said. "During the altercation witnesses reported that the defendants were allegedly yelling racial slurs at the victim."

James Stephenson is said to have pushed the victim through a plate glass window, shattering it; the victim stabbed Jeremy with a shard of glass, making Jeremy flee.

The release continues: "James allegedly became enraged and remained engaged in the physical altercation tackling the victim continuing to strike him, call him racial slurs and make threats including allegedly stating, 'You should go back to Africa.'"

Prosecutors also say Jeremy perjured himself before the grand jury, which indicted the two brothers on Nov. 13.

“This community will not tolerate the hate and violence exhibited during this attack,” said Bartlett in a statement. “I’m extremely proud of the hard work done by Dracut Officers, Detectives and The District Attorney’s Office for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case.”

Jeremy Stephenson was charged with violation of constitutional rights with bodily injury, assault and battery to intimidate with bodily injury and three counts of perjury. James Stephenson was charged with violation of constitutional rights with bodily injury, assault and battery to intimidate with bodily injury, and wanton destruction of property.

The next court date is Dec. 19 in Lowell Superior Court. Both defendants were released awaiting trial, "with the condition that they stay away from and have no contact with the victim and witnesses."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.