Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Jason Bacon, 43, a fugitive from justice who previously resided in Brick Township, was taken into custody in Mexico by the United States Marshals Task Force on January 15, 2026. Bacon was extradited to New Jersey on February 4, 2026, and is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail where he will be detained until he is sentenced on numerous drug-related offenses for which he was tried and convicted in absentia in January 2025.
An investigation that commenced in December 2017 by the Clayton Township (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 illegal income.
On January 14, 2025, Bacon’s trial commenced before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P. Bacon failed to appear for trial, which was conducted in his absence. On January 30, 2025, the jury found Bacon guilty of two counts of Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility, Possession of More than 25 Pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than Five Pounds of Hashish with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than Five Pounds but Less than 25 Pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, two counts of Possession of More than Fifty Grams of Marijuana, Possession of More than Five Grams of Hashish, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense, Financial Facilitation, and four counts of Failure to File Income Tax Returns and Pay Income Tax. Bacon is now scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Ryan on April 17, 2026.
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, Clayton Township (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 return to Ocean County to face justice for his criminal activity.