A Freehold Borough man has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison following a 2024 shooting in Jackson Township that left a man with a gunshot wound to the face, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Friday.
Michael Vulpis, 26, was sentenced by Judge Kimarie Rahill on May 2 after pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The sentence is subject to the No Early Release Act, requiring Vulpis to serve at least 85 percent of his term before being eligible for parole. Both five-year sentences will run concurrently, with one including a 42-month period of parole ineligibility.
The charges stem from a June 27, 2024, incident in which Jackson Township police responded to Larsen Road around 12:20 a.m. and found a 27-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the face. The victim was hospitalized at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and later released.
Investigators determined that Vulpis and a second suspect blocked in the victim’s car, approached the vehicle, and assaulted the victim as he attempted to exit. During the altercation, Vulpis shot the man in the face before fleeing. Vulpis was arrested without incident on July 3 at his home and has remained in custody since.
Co-conspirators face additional charges in shooting case
Further investigation identified 24-year-old Noah Phelps of Monroe Township as the second suspect. Authorities charged Phelps with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder on August 15. He surrendered the following day and was released under New Jersey Bail Reform.
Detectives also uncovered an alleged effort to interfere with the investigation. Vulpis and Glenn Franzson, 32, of Jackson Township, reportedly conspired to persuade the victim to give a false statement. Franzson was charged with witness tampering and conspiracy. During a court-authorized search of his home, authorities seized methamphetamine, cocaine, and a ghost gun with a high-capacity magazine.
Franzson was arrested at the scene and later released, also under bail reform guidelines. He faces multiple drug and weapons charges.
Prosecutors have not disclosed upcoming court dates for Phelps or Franzson.
Shooter in Jackson Township gun assault sentenced as investigation widens to include tampering and drugs.