Lacey Township Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Drug Death

Lacey Township Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Drug Death
A handcuffed suspect is escorted by police as he arrives at the Paris courts

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – Jehmar Barrett, 36, of Lacey Township, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Monday, in relation to the death of a 35-year-old female in Toms River on November 24, 2020. On his sentencing date of August 18, 2023, the State will seek a term of seven years in New Jersey State Prison, under the terms of the No Early Release Act.

Investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau confirmed that Barrett distributed drugs, initially thought to be heroin, to the victim the day before her death.

Toxicology analysis revealed the presence of fentanyl in her system. Barrett was charged in connection with her death on April 29, 2021, and surrendered to the Toms River Township Police Department the following day.