TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on Friday, Jorge Euxaque-Ballesteros, 26, of Toms River, pled guilty to Attempted Theft and Aggravated Arson in connection with separate incidents in Lakewood Township.
At his sentencing on May 19, 2023, the State will seek a five-year term in New Jersey State Prison for each offense, with sentences to run concurrently.
On April 9, 2021, Euxaque-Ballesteros attempted to steal a bicycle locked up at a residence on Congress Street. The victim described the suspect, and officers later located Euxaque-Ballesteros in a nearby wooded area. He was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail.
On January 19, 2022, a fire broke out in the basement of a business on Cross Street, where Euxaque-Ballesteros, a recently terminated employee, was found responsible for igniting the fire. He was taken into custody and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer commended the diligent efforts of investigators involved in the case and expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and the community.
