New Jersey’s Toms River.Ocean County officials reported Wednesday that a Jackson Township man, who broke into his estranged wife’s house last year and assaulted her against a court order, has entered a guilty plea to charges of burglary and contempt.
On June 18, 40-year-old Manuel Fernandez pled before Judge Kenneth T. Palmer. The accusations are related to an incident that happened on Jackson Township’s Buttonwood Drive on May 31, 2024. Prosecutors want to seek a five-year sentence under the No Early Release Act for the burglary conviction and an additional 18 months for the contempt charge at his sentencing on August 8. It is anticipated that the phrases would flow together.
On the night of the incident, Jackson Township Police were called to a residence after receiving a report of an intruder just after 1:40 a.m. Fernandez was discovered inside by officers. At the time, the resident—who is Fernandez’s spouse—had a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against him.
According to an inquiry, Fernandez kicked open the bedroom door, pushed his way inside, and attacked the woman. She managed to fend him off and call the police after a scuffle. After being safely taken into custody at the Ocean County Jail, Fernandez has been there ever since.
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Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano and the Jackson Township Police Department were commended by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer for their efforts in obtaining the guilty plea. In August, Fernandez is expected to be sentenced.
