Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 17, 2026, Shakim Varick, 23, of Berkeley Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., to ten years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) relative to his previously entered guilty plea to Robbery in connection with an incident that occurred on January 13, 2025, in Berkeley Township. Additionally, Judge Palmer sentenced Varick to 18 months NJSP – with a 18-month period of parole ineligibility – relative to his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Assault concerning an earlier unrelated incident that likewise occurred in Berkeley Township on May 30, 2024. The sentence as to the Robbery charge will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that Varick will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. The sentences will run concurrently. Varick pled guilty to both charges before Judge Palmer on February 20, 2026.
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 the 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.
Regarding the unrelated incident that occurred on May 30, 2024, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department were summoned to the basketball courts on Third Avenue in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township at approximately 10:00 p.m. 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.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato who handled 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 leading to Varick’s state prison sentences.