Cape Cod man indicted for civil rights violations, assault after allegedly using racial slur outside restaurant

Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois announced today that on July 26, 2023, following an investigation, a Barnstable County Grand Jury returned indictments against John C. 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 which occurred May 31, 2023, at about 11:30 pm on the sidewalk of Main Street, Hyannis, in the vicinity of Embargo Restaurant.

Video clips of Shea went viral on social media showing him in a confrontation with a group of people outside of the restaurant where a racial slur could be heard.

Video also appeared to show that Shea allegedly threatened one in the group.

In early June it was announced by Hyannis Marina that Shea was no longer the manager of Trader Ed’s at Hyannis Marina.

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, 2023, for conference in Barnstable Superior Court.

The case was investigated by the Barnstable Police Department, particularly civil rights investigator, Officer Brian Morrison and Officer Chris Kelsey.