Barnegat township man pleads guilty to drug and weapon charges
Judge in the courtroom. Male judge striking the gavel.

Barnegat Township man pleads guilty to drug and weapon charges

by
September 12, 2024

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Clifford Holland, 48, of Barnegat, has pleaded guilty to drug distribution and illegal possession of a firearm, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on September 9, 2024. Holland entered the plea before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., for possession of less than half an ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a handgun.

The charges stem from a February 23, 2024, investigation, during which detectives from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, executed a search warrant at Holland’s residence on Gunning River Road. Police seized a quantity of cocaine and a .22 caliber revolver during the raid. Holland was arrested at the scene and has been held at the Ocean County Jail since that time.

At his sentencing on October 25, 2024, the state will seek three years in New Jersey State Prison for the narcotics charge and 12 years for the weapons offense, with a six-year period of parole ineligibility. Both sentences are expected to run concurrently.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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