Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 17, 2026, Jason Bacon, 43, who previously resided in Brick Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to 16 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) – with an eight-year period of parole ineligibility – for Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility; eight years NJSP – with a four-year period of parole ineligibility – for Possession of a Firearm During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense; and eight years NJSP for Financial Facilitation. The sentences will run consecutively. Additionally, Bacon was also sentenced to concurrent terms of imprisonment for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Hashish, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Hashish and Failure to File and Pay Income Tax. The total term of imprisonment imposed by the Court is 32 years, subject to 12 years of parole ineligibility. Bacon was tried before a jury of his peers in absentia and found guilty of all charges in January 2025.
An investigation that commenced in December 2017 by the Borough of Clayton (New Jersey) Police Department revealed that a large greenhouse had been constructed behind a vacant house on Delsea Drive in Clayton Township. Further investigation revealed that this residence was utilizing large amounts of water and electricity and had received large freight deliveries of material associated with illegally growing marijuana. A search of public records revealed the residence was owned by Jason Bacon who also maintained a residence in Brick Township.
On April 26, 2018, law enforcement Officers executed court-authorized search warrants on the properties in Clayton and Brick Townships. As a result, Detectives seized over 25 pounds of marijuana, more than five pounds of hashish and hashish products, marijuana plants, paraphernalia associated with the cultivation of marijuana, and a loaded .25 caliber handgun. Bacon was taken into custody at the Brick Township residence and transported to the Ocean County Jail; he was initially ordered detained but subsequently ordered to be released in April 2019 as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
A subsequent review of Bacon’s bank records revealed that he had deposited in excess of $400,000 of illicit proceeds from illegal narcotics sales into his bank account between 2013 and 2018. Additionally, Bacon failed to pay income tax on his illicit income.
On January 14, 2025, Bacon’s trial commenced before Judge Ryan. Bacon failed to appear for trial, which was conducted in his absence. On January 30, 2025, the jury found Bacon guilty of the charges referenced above.
On January 15, 2026, Bacon was taken into custody in Mexico by the United States Marshals Task Force. Bacon was extradited to New Jersey on February 4, 2026, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since that date.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Borough of Clayton (New Jersey) Police Department, Brick Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Treasury-Office of Criminal Investigation, New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences South Regional Laboratory, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation, ultimately leading to Bacon’s conviction at trial, and now his state prison sentence.