Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 8, 2025, Manuel Fernandez, 40, of Jackson Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., to 3 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) relative to his previously entered guilty plea to Burglary in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on May 31, 2024. Additionally, Judge Palmer sentenced Fernandez to 18 months NJSP relative to his previously entered guilty plea to Contempt of a Judicial or Protective Order in connection with the same incident. The sentence as to the Burglary charge will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that Fernandez 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. Fernandez pled guilty to both charges before Judge Palmer on June 18, 2025.
On May 31, 2024, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a residence on Buttonwood Drive for a report of a male who had illegally entered a residence. Responding Officers located Fernandez in the subject residence. An investigation by the Officers revealed that the female who resided at the residence was married to Fernandez and had previously obtained a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against him. Continuing investigation revealed that Fernandez illegally entered the residence, kicked down the female victim’s bedroom door, and proceeded to assault her. After a brief scuffle, the female was able to fight off Fernandez and call the police. Fernandez was taken into custody at the scene without incident; he was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been detained since that date.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano and Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Jackson Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Fernandez’s guilty pleas, and now his state prison sentence.