TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Jackson Township man has pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and contempt after forcing his way into his estranged wife’s home last year and assaulting her in violation of a court order, Ocean County officials announced Wednesday.
Manuel Fernandez, 40, entered his plea before Judge Kenneth T. Palmer on June 18. The charges stem from a May 31, 2024, incident on Buttonwood Drive in Jackson Township. At his sentencing on August 8, prosecutors will seek a five-year New Jersey State Prison term under the No Early Release Act for the burglary charge and an additional 18 months for the contempt charge. The sentences are expected to run concurrently.
Just after 1:40 a.m. on the night of the incident, Jackson Township Police responded to a home for a report of an intruder. Officers found Fernandez inside. The resident, who is married to Fernandez, had a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against him at the time.
An investigation revealed Fernandez forced his way into the residence, kicked in the bedroom door, and assaulted the woman. After a struggle, she was able to fight him off and contact police. Fernandez was arrested at the scene without incident and has remained in custody at the Ocean County Jail since.
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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano and the Jackson Township Police Department for their work leading to the guilty plea. Fernandez is scheduled to be sentenced in August.
