Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 24, 2023, Mark Britt, 32, of Manchester Township, was found guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in connection with an incident that occurred on July 23, 2019, in Manchester Township. After a week-long jury trial before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Britt utilized a handgun to threaten a female victim at a residence they shared in Manchester Township. The jury also found Britt guilty of Harassment. Britt is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Palmer on May 19, 2023, at which time he faces up to ten years New Jersey State Prison, with a parole ineligibility period of 42 months.
On July 23, 2019, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the female victim responded to the lobby of the Manchester Township Police Department reporting that an act of domestic violence had occurred at her residence on Northampton Boulevard. The victim related to police that she and her infant resided at the residence with Britt and his father. On the evening of July 23, 2019, an argument developed between the victim and Britt, and she decided to leave the residence with her child. As she was placing the infant in her vehicle, Britt threatened the victim while he was holding a handgun.
Manchester Township Police Officers responded to the residence to investigate the matter. When questioned by the Officers, Britt denied the presence of a firearm at the residence and consented to a search of his room. During the search, Officers discovered ammunition and other evidence indicating the presence of a firearm. Britt then admitted to having firearms at the residence and volunteered to surrender them. Officers found that Britt had buried two firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories under a deck in his backyard. Britt was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Jail. He was later released as consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco and Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Trial Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts ultimately resulting in this guilty verdict.