Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 20, 2026, Shakim Varick, 23, of Berkeley Township, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that occurred in Berkeley Township on May 30, 2024, before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C. Additionally, Varick pled guilty to an unrelated Robbery charge in connection with an incident that occurred on January 13, 2025, also in Berkeley Township. At the time of his sentencing on April 17, 2026, the State will be seeking a term of 18 months New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with an 18-month period of parole ineligibility as to the Aggravated Assault charge, and 10 years NJSP as to the Robbery charge. The sentence as to the Robbery offense will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On May 30, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department were summoned to the basketball courts on Third Avenue in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township for a report of an aggravated assault with a handgun. An investigation by responding Officers revealed that an individual was at the basketball courts when a second individual approached and pointed a firearm at him. Further investigation identified Varick as the individual responsible for pointing the firearm at the victim. On June 17, 2024, Varick was taken into custody without incident at his residence in South Toms River by Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department. He was served with the charge via summons pending upcoming appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
On January 13, 2025, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the area of the Eastern Soccer Complex for a report of an armed robbery. An investigation by responding Officers revealed that the victim had arranged to meet an individual at the soccer complex to complete a business transaction. When that individual arrived, he brandished a handgun, demanded additional money, and threatened the victim with serious bodily harm if he failed to comply. The victim fled the scene and contacted police. Continuing investigation led to the identification of Varick as the individual who threatened and robbed the victim. On January 13, 2025, Varick was taken into custody at his residence without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been detained since that date.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Berkeley Township Police Department, South Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, for their combined efforts in connection with these investigations.