HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ — A 66-year-old Delaware Township man faces prison after a jury found he used a handgun to threaten a responding police officer during a domestic dispute, prosecutors announced Thursday.
Edward Swantkoski was convicted Wednesday, April 22, of second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and third-degree terroristic threats, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson.
Jury delivers mixed verdict after week-long trial
The verdict followed a week-long trial before Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Garrenger, where jurors heard evidence tied to a 2024 police response at Swantkoski’s home.
In a statement, Robeson said the jury “found Edward Swantkoski…guilty of third-degree terroristic threats and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.”
Jurors, however, did not reach a unanimous decision on an additional charge of aggravated assault involving the alleged pointing or display of a firearm at a law enforcement officer.
Incident began with domestic dispute call
The charges stem from an incident on July 6, 2024, when officers with the Delaware Township Police Department responded to a reported domestic dispute.
According to prosecutors, Swantkoski exited his residence while armed with a semiautomatic handgun.
Authorities said he possessed the weapon “with the purpose to terrorize” Lieutenant Elliot Gray, one of the responding officers.
Key Points
• Jury convicted 66-year-old man of terroristic threats and gun offense
• Case stems from 2024 domestic dispute response in Delaware Township
• Jurors deadlocked on additional aggravated assault charge
Sentencing carries mandatory prison exposure
Under New Jersey law, the second-degree firearm conviction triggers strict sentencing requirements.
Prosecutors noted that the state’s Graves Act mandates a prison term with a period of parole ineligibility—set at either half the sentence or 42 months, whichever is greater.
Second-degree offenses in New Jersey can carry sentences ranging from five to ten years in prison, along with significant fines, while third-degree charges can add additional prison time and penalties.
Attorneys and next court date
First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia represented the state during the trial, while defense attorney Antonio Martinez represented Swantkoski.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2026, before Judge Garrenger.
What happens next
With the guilty verdict secured on the most serious charge, Swantkoski now faces mandatory incarceration under state law, though the final sentence will be determined by the court in June.
The unresolved charge could be subject to further legal action, but no additional proceedings have been announced.
The case is now awaiting sentencing, where the court will determine the length of imprisonment under New Jersey guidelines.
