FREEHOLD – A Neptune man was sentenced to 8 years in prison for drug and weapons offenses, announced Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr. imposed the sentence upon Salik Hinton, 29, of Neptune Township. Hinton had previously been found guilty after a two week jury trial on January 18, 2018 of third degree Possessing a Controlled Dangerous Substance, second degree Unlawfully Possessing a Handgun without a Permit, and second degree Certain Person Not to Possess a Handgun. Judge Falcetano ordered Hinton to serve a mandatory five year period in prison before he could become eligible for parole.
Hinton’s conviction was the result of the quick actions of an Asbury Park Police officer, who, on August 18, 2015, upon receiving information that someone matching the defendant’s description was in possession of a handgun, immediately located and approached Hinton. Just after midnight, in the area of Asbury Park Garden Apartment Complex, the officer attempted to speak with Hinton, who began to run. Hinton eventually tripped and fell, and as he did so, a .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun and multiple prescription drugs fell from his pocket and were quickly secured by the officer.
Defendant’s prior criminal record prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm.
The trial was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin Sidley.
Hinton is represented by Sarah Surgent, Esq.
