Ocean county man admits to drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession
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Ocean County Man Admits to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearm Possession

BRICK, NJ – Henry Burns, a 56-year-old resident of Brick Township, entered a guilty plea on January 22, 2024, for major drug offenses and illegal weapon possession. This plea was made before Judge Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., following an investigation spanning April to May 2023 in Brick Township and Asbury Park.

The joint investigation, involving the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, uncovered Burns’ operations. He used a Brick Township residence and an Asbury Park storefront for cocaine storage and distribution. Surveillance led to his arrest in Red Bank in May 2023.

Search warrants executed at both locations resulted in the seizure of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, naproxen, alprazolam, ten handguns, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, and about $8,000 in cash. Burns, held at the Ocean County Jail since his arrest, faces a proposed sentence of 15 years in New Jersey State Prison for the drug charge and a concurrent ten-year term with a five-year parole disqualification for the weapon offense. Sentencing is scheduled for March 8, 2024.

Local News Report

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News