LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 64-year-old Lacey Township man was sentenced Friday to five years in New Jersey State Prison after pleading guilty to bias intimidation, narcotics distribution, and weapons offenses stemming from separate incidents in 2022 and 2024, prosecutors said.
John Vincentini was sentenced by Judge Kenneth T. Palmer to five years for bias intimidation related to a September 2022 confrontation with an Amazon delivery driver, as well as an additional five-year sentence with a 42-month parole ineligibility for possession of an assault firearm, and three years for marijuana distribution. All sentences will run concurrently.
Key Points:
- John Vincentini, 64, sentenced to five years in prison on multiple charges
- Charges include bias intimidation, drug distribution, and illegal possession of assault firearms
- Incidents occurred in Lacey Township in September 2022 and March 2024
Confrontation with delivery driver leads to bias intimidation charge
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, on September 5, 2022, Vincentini followed an Amazon driver into a cul-de-sac, blocked the vehicle, and confronted the driver, questioning his presence in the neighborhood and stating, “it was a racist neighborhood.” Vincentini further threatened to retrieve a rifle and shoot the driver. The driver reported the incident to Lacey Township Police.
Vincentini turned himself in to police on October 5, 2022, and was charged with bias intimidation. He was initially released on a summons pending court appearances.
Narcotics delivery sparks second investigation
In March 2024, authorities were alerted after local residents reported receiving a box containing marijuana delivered in a reused Amazon package. Investigators identified Vincentini as the individual responsible for the delivery.
A court-authorized search of Vincentini’s home on March 21, 2024, led to the seizure of approximately ten pounds of marijuana, 15 marijuana plants, two assault firearms, drug paraphernalia, a rifle-style BB gun, and $150,000 in cash.
Wife’s charges remain pending as husband faces prison term
During the execution of the search warrant, both Vincentini and his wife, Karen Vincentini, were taken into custody. John Vincentini has remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest. Karen Vincentini was released on June 7, 2024, though charges against her are still pending.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.