TOMS RIVER – A Jackson Township man has pleaded guilty to burglary and contempt of a court order stemming from a May 2024 domestic incident, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
Manuel Fernandez, 40, entered the pleas before Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer on June 18. Prosecutors will seek a five-year state prison sentence under the No Early Release Act for the burglary charge and 18 months for contempt, to run concurrently, at his sentencing on August 8.
Police responded to a Buttonwood Drive home around 1:40 a.m. on May 31, 2024, after a report of an unlawful entry. Officers found Fernandez inside and learned the female resident, his wife, had a temporary restraining order against him.
Investigators said Fernandez forced his way in, kicked down a bedroom door, and assaulted the woman. She was able to fend him off and call police. He was arrested at the scene and has remained in the Ocean County Jail since.
Prosecutor Billhimer credited Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano and the Jackson Township Police Department for their work on the case.
