Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Ron Carr, 35, of Manchester Township, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to incidents that occurred in June 2023. Carr pleaded guilty to Arson, Bias Intimidation, and two counts of Criminal Mischief before Judge Guy P. Ryan on June 20, 2024.
The incidents began on June 6, 2023, at approximately 11:45 p.m., when officers responded to reports of vandalism at residential homes in Pine Lake Park. Upon arrival, they discovered 14 homes had been vandalized with spray paint, including Nazi symbolism. Officers obtained a description of the suspect, who was later identified as Carr.
The following morning, at approximately 3:11 a.m., officers responded to a report of a structure fire in the same area. The fire destroyed one home, caused heat damage to three others, and spread to the adjacent wooded area. No injuries were reported. Witnesses described a suspect on foot, matching the description from the previous night’s vandalism incidents. Carr was located and taken into custody without incident.
The investigation revealed that Carr was responsible for both the vandalism and the arson. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
At his sentencing on August 16, 2024, the State will seek a seven-year term for the Arson charge, five years for the Bias Intimidation charge, and 18-month terms for both Criminal Mischief charges. The sentences will run concurrently.