Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 22, 2024, Harold Galloway, 53, of Lakewood, pled guilty to Possession of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on August 19, 2021. Additionally, Galloway pled guilty to being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm in connection with an incident that likewise occurred in Lakewood on June 8, 2023. Finally, Galloway pled guilty to Carjacking in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood on September 28, 2023. At the time of his sentencing on June 28, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of 15 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as to the narcotics distribution charge, seven years NJSP – with a five year period of parole ineligibility – as to the weapon charge, and ten years NJSP as to the carjacking charge. The sentence relative to the carjacking charge will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act. All sentences are to run concurrently.
On August 19, 2021, Detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit were on patrol in the area of John Street when they observed a vehicle parked on the side of the roadway. The Detectives observed what appeared to be possible narcotics-related activity in the vicinity of the vehicle, and continued to observe the vehicle after it left the area. A short time later, the Detectives effectuated a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle as it pulled into a gas station. Detectives attempted to make contact with the driver, who then grabbed a bag from inside the vehicle and fled the scene on foot – crossing over Route 9 and running into a wooded area in the vicinity of a vacant residence. The Detectives pursued the suspect, who was observed by one of the Detectives to throw the bag while continuing to run. The Detectives ultimately caught up to the suspect and apprehended him, at which time he was identified as Galloway. The Detectives recovered the bag which Galloway previously discarded; the bag was found to contain three knotted plastic bags containing suspect cocaine and a large sum of United States currency. Galloway was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On June 8, 2023, in furtherance of an ongoing narcotics investigation, Detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team executed a court-authorized search warrant at a motel room on Madison Avenue known to be occupied by Galloway. As a result, Detectives seized two bundles of heroin, a quantity of oxycodone, and a .22 caliber handgun. Galloway was taken into custody without incident, and transported to the Ocean County Jail. He was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On September 28, 2023, at approximately 6:00 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to the area of First Street for a reported carjacking. Responding Officers determined that two men were sitting in a Ford F150 on First Street when a male suspect opened the rear passenger door, brandished a revolver, and threatened the two men. The men exited the vehicle, at which time the suspect drove away. A subsequent investigation resulted in the Officers identifying Galloway as the individual responsible for the carjacking. Later that day, Detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team executed court-authorized search warrants at two motel rooms where Galloway had been observed just prior to and after the carjacking. Galloway was located inside one of the rooms, and taken into custody without incident. Detectives recovered personal items belonging to the two victims inside the second motel room, and the truck was recovered parked a short distance away from the motel. Galloway was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been detained since September 28, 2023, and shall remain pending sentencing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Lynn Juan who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and acknowledges the Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their combined and collaborative assistance in connection with these investigations leading to Galloway’s guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.