CAMDEN, NJ — A Toms River man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for distributing cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced Thursday.
Masta Redding, 38, was sentenced on March 26 to 151 months behind bars after pleading guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Court documents and statements reveal that on March 5, 2020, Redding had cocaine on his person and inside his home intended for distribution. He also illegally possessed a loaded Jimenez Arms pistol despite a prior felony conviction.
Prosecutors said Redding attempted to obstruct the investigation by paying another person to falsely claim ownership of the drugs and gun in a sworn affidavit submitted to the government.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams imposed a three-year term of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition used during the offense.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and Asbury Park Police Department.
“Masta Redding… provided to the government… an affidavit in which the other individual falsely claimed ownership of the cocaine and firearm,” court records state.
A Toms River man who tried to pin his drug and gun charges on someone else is now serving more than 12 years in federal prison.
Key Points:
- Masta Redding sentenced to 151 months for drug distribution and firearm possession.
- Redding tried to obstruct the case by submitting a false affidavit.
- Judge also imposed 3 years of supervised release and weapon forfeiture.
