TOMS RIVER — A Toms River man has admitted to weapons and drug offenses stemming from two separate incidents earlier this year, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced.
Chardel Holman, 41, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan to being a certain person not to possess a weapon in connection with a February incident in Toms River. He also admitted to conspiracy to possess less than one-half ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute tied to a September investigation in Little Egg Harbor.
Prosecutors said they will seek a five-year state prison sentence with a mandatory five-year parole bar on the weapons offense when Holman is sentenced on January 16. They will also seek a concurrent five-year term on the drug charge.
Authorities said the first case began on February 12 when Toms River police responded to Cedar Grove Road and Edken Avenue for a report of a vehicle crash. Officers found a Toyota Sienna stuck on a snowbank with Holman asleep behind the wheel. As he was removed from the vehicle, police saw a handgun in the center console and later found cocaine on him during a search. Investigators later learned Holman had a prior terroristic threats conviction, barring him from possessing a firearm.
The second incident occurred September 13, when detectives from Little Egg Harbor and Stafford police departments were investigating suspected drug activity near the Walmart in Little Egg Harbor. Detectives attempted to stop Holman’s vehicle, but authorities say he sped off and tossed a bag from the driver’s window before fleeing on foot. He was quickly apprehended, and detectives recovered the discarded bag, which contained cocaine.
Holman has remained in the Ocean County Jail since the September arrest.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited Senior Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke and the involved police agencies for their work leading to the guilty pleas.
