Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, 119 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ (2026)

09/02/2026

LAKEHURST MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO
VEHICULAR HOMICIDE

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 31, 2026, Douglas Smith, 52, of Lakehurst, pled guilty before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., to Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Toms River on July 31, 2025, resulting in the death of Allen Adams, 50, of Lumberton Township. At the time of his sentencing on October 23, 2026, the State will be seeking a term of 10 years New Jersey State Prison. The sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act (NERA).

On July 31, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the area of Lakewood Road and Raymond Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Responding Officers discovered Mr. Adams lying in the roadway with serious injuries. Mr. Adams was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River where he was pronounced deceased.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Toms River Township Police Department revealed that Mr. Adams was working in a construction zone on Lakewood Road - with machinery equipped with flashing amber warning lights - when he was struck by a vehicle operated by Smith traveling northbound on Lakewood Road. Officers located the vehicle on Lakewood Road just north of where the crash occurred. As Officers engaged Smith, he showed signs of impairment. Smith was initially charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. In furtherance of the investigation, Smith was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where a draw of his blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant.

Laboratory results of Smith’s blood draw, received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, revealed that Smith’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was .151 at the time his blood was drawn. In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where the operator’s BAC is .08 or greater. Additionally, Smith was found to have co***ne, fentanyl, and methadone in his system. Consequently, Smith was charged with Vehicular Homicide on August 28, 2025, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On September 3, 2025, Smith was located at a residence in Toms River by Officers from the United States Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Toms River Township Police Department. Smith was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he has remained detained since that date.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Smith’s guilty plea and soon his state prison sentence.

09/02/2026

As kids head back to school, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office reminds families to take a moment before sharing those first-day-of-school photos.
Before you hit “post,” check what’s visible in the photo and what’s written on your child’s sign. Avoid showing your home, school, street signs, or other locations that reveal where your child lives or goes to school. Consider leaving their full name, age, grade, teacher’s name, and school name off the post.
These details may seem harmless, but together they can reveal personal information to people who don’t need to have it.
Let’s celebrate the new school year while taking a few extra steps to protect our children’s privacy and safety. A little extra caution can make a big difference.

09/01/2026

TWO CHARGED IN FATAL JACKSON TOWNSHIP
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH TO BE DETAINED PENDING TRIAL

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 1, 2026, the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C. ordered that Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail on the charges of Manslaughter, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Having Possessed or Been Issued a Valid Driver’s License While Involved in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, and two counts of Assault by Auto, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on August 28, 2026. Additionally, Judge Rahill ordered that Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail on the charge of Knowingly Engaging in Conduct Creating a Substantial Risk of Death to Another, in connection with the same incident.

The detention hearings were handled by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

09/01/2026

FREEHOLD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED MURDER,
ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD AND ELUDING

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 31, 2026, Jaden Thompson, 19, of Freehold, pled guilty before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., to Attempted Murder, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Eluding, all in connection with events that occurred in Jackson Township on November 27, 2025, and in Edison Township (Middlesex County) on November 28, 2026. At the time of his sentencing on October 23, 2026, the State will be seeking a term of 10 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as to the Attempted Murder charge, which will be subject to the terms of No Early Release Act (NERA). Additionally, the State will be seeking a term of five years NJSP as to the Endangering charge and five years NJSP as to the Eluding charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.

On November 27, 2025, Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the Paragon Apartments on Larsen Road for a report of an individual who had been stabbed. Responding Officers found a female with a stab wound to the abdomen. Officers also found a 19-month-old infant lying in the area where the stabbing occurred; the infant was uninjured. The female was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where she was treated and ultimately released. A subsequent investigation revealed that Thompson was the individual responsible for stabbing the victim. Further investigation revealed that Thompson had fled the area in a black Hyundai Sonata; on November 27, 2025, Thompson was charged accordingly and his name was entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

On November 28, 2025, Officers from the Edison Township Police Department identified the motor vehicle being utilized by Thompson. As Officers attempted to effectuate a motor vehicle stop on Thompson’s vehicle, Thompson recklessly sped away and ultimately crashed the vehicle. Thompson then attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody in the near vicinity. On November 29, 2025, Thompson was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he has been detained since that date.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Edison Township Police Department, Borough of Carteret Police Department, and United States Marshal’s Service, for their combined efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Thompson’s guilty pleas.

09/01/2026

Representatives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office joined the Barnegat Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Coast Guard for the Casting with a Cop event at the Barnegat Township Municipal Dock. The event brought members of the community together for a fun-filled day of fishing and outdoor activities while providing a great opportunity for law enforcement and young people to interact in a relaxed setting and build positive relationships. Great job by Chief Jason Carroll, the entire Barnegat Township Police Department, and everyone who helped make this fantastic community event a success!
Pictured are OCPO Agent Michael Colwell, Detective Alexa Moore and Detective Andrew Staub.

08/31/2026

Today, we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day and officially kick off Ocean Goes Purple, a countywide initiative dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorder, reducing the stigma surrounding addiction, and connecting residents with treatment and recovery resources. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. today, agencies and organizations from throughout Ocean County will be gathered for a community tabling event in front of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office located at 119 Hooper Avenue in Toms River. Today, we remember those we have lost, support those who continue their recovery journey, and stand with the families, friends, and communities impacted by substance use disorder.
Throughout the month of September, downtown Toms River, County buildings will be illuminated in purple and banners will line the courthouse area along Hooper Avenue as visible symbols of hope, remembrance, and support for those affected by substance use disorder.
Together, Ocean County Goes Purple.
Ocean County Government

08/29/2026

Congratulations to the Seaside Park Police Department on the launch of a wonderful new community program! On August 22, 2026, the Seaside Park Police Department welcomed its very first “Chief of the Day,” Chief Sophia! From starting the morning with some well-earned donuts to inspecting police vehicles and equipment, completing officer reviews, and enjoying a ride-along with the Seaside Park Fire Department, Chief Sophia had a busy first day on the job. Programs like Chief of the Day provide a fun and meaningful opportunity for young members of the community to meet their local first responders, learn about their work, and see firsthand how police serve the residents of Seaside Park.
Great job by Police Chief Bryan McKay and the entire Seaside Park Police Department for creating such a positive and memorable experience for the community—and congratulations to Chief Sophia on a job well done!
Pictured are Chief McKay and Chief Sophia.

08/29/2026

CHARGES FILED IN FATAL JACKSON TOWNSHIP
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 28, 2026, Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton, was charged with Manslaughter, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Having Possessed or Been Issued a Valid Driver’s License While Involved in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, and two counts of Assault by Auto, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on August 28, 2026. Additionally, Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, was charged with Knowingly Engaging in Conduct Creating a Substantial Risk of Death to Another, in connection with the same incident.

On August 28, 2026, at approximately 11:55 a.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of the Jackson NPGS grocery store on West County Line Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving pedestrians.

Responding Officers discovered that a mother and her two minor children - a five-year-old female and a nine-month-old male - had been struck by a motor vehicle in the store's parking lot. All three victims were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. The mother and her five-year-old daughter remain hospitalized in stable condition; her nine-month-old son was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that CobonGuzman was operating a Ford Fusion in the parking lot of the NPGS grocery store when she struck the mother and her baby carriage carrying both children. Further investigation revealed that CobonGuzman did not possess, nor had she ever possessed, a valid driver's license in this or any other state. Continuing investigation further revealed that Lazaro-Flores was aware of that fact, but nevertheless permitted CobonGuzman to operate the motor vehicle.

CobonGuzman and Lazaro-Flores were taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they are presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

08/28/2026

JACKSON TOWNSHIP WOMAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON
FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 28, 2026, Marian Rojas, 34, of Jackson Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., to seven years New Jersey State Prison relative to her previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that occurred on October 24, 2025, in Jackson Township. The sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that Rojas will be required to serve at least 85 percent of her prison sentence before she may be considered for parole eligibility. Rojas pled guilty to the charge before Judge Palmer on June 15, 2026.

On October 24, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a residence on Jackson Pines Road for a report of a gunshot victim. Responding Officers discovered a 79-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. The victim was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of minor injuries and subsequently released. Further investigation revealed that Rojas was the individual that shot the victim and fled the scene. A description of Rojas and the vehicle she was operating were broadcast to surrounding towns. At approximately 10:00 p.m. on October 24th, Manchester Township Police effectuated a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle matching the description of Rojas’ vehicle - with Rojas as the operator. Rojas was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she has been detained since that date.

“This sentence reflects the extraordinary compassion and forgiveness shown by the victim throughout the pendency of this case,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “The victim’s unequivocal desire to extend mercy to this defendant was a significant factor in the State’s willingness to resolve this case in this manner,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Jackson Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their efforts in connection with this investigation.

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