FREEHOLD — A Monmouth County Grand Jury has indicted an Asbury Park resident accused of threatening a witness who testified in a 2024 murder trial, Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced.
Jaisun Z. Brown, 21, faces a second-degree charge of witness retaliation.
According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the allegations surfaced in April 2025 following the sentencing of a defendant convicted in a 2022 homicide case before Superior Court Judge Jill Grace O’Malley. Investigators with the Major Crimes Bureau later determined that Brown allegedly sent or posted multiple communications targeting the witness, including threats or messages interpreted as violent or intimidating.
Santiago said actions meant to influence or punish witnesses undermine the entire judicial process.
“Witness intimidation is a crime that strikes at the very heart of the justice system,” he said in a statement. “We ask witnesses to come forward knowing it requires extraordinary bravery, particularly in cases involving serious violence. This case reflects our commitment to ensuring witnesses can testify safely and without fear of retaliation.”
The case is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley. Brown is represented by Freehold-based attorney Michael Wicke.
Brown is presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
