Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Charles Sharkey Jr., 35, of Jackson Township, was sentenced to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) for aggravated assault and illegal firearm possession stemming from two separate incidents in 2023.
Sharkey received a 10-year sentence for aggravated assault related to a motor vehicle crash in Toms River on March 23, 2023. Under the No Early Release Act, he must serve at least 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility. Additionally, Sharkey was sentenced to another 10 years for firearm possession, with a five-year period of parole ineligibility. The sentences will run consecutively.
The crash occurred when Sharkey, driving a Dodge Ram 1500 eastbound on Route 70, ran a red light at Massachusetts Avenue. His vehicle grazed a Honda CRV before colliding with a Subaru Impreza carrying a driver and three children. The impact overturned Sharkey’s truck, which caught fire. Three of the Impreza’s occupants sustained minor injuries, while one child was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Further investigation revealed Sharkey was driving under the influence of methamphetamine, had a suspended license, and was using a phone at the time of the crash.
Separately, on March 12, 2023, Sharkey was found in possession of a .22 caliber handgun during a DUI arrest in Jackson Township.
Sharkey pled guilty to both charges in October 2024 and has been in custody since the crash.