By: Richard L. Smith
Carelton Priester of Trenton received a sentence of five years of probation for second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun on Thursday, July 20.
Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds said the Honorable Bernard E. DeLury, Jr., P.J.Cr., handed down the sentence despite objections from the State.
Priester had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
Initially, both parties had agreed on a sentence recommendation of three years in New Jersey State Prison, with one year of parole ineligibility. However, during the sentencing hearing, Priester requested a probationary sentence instead.
Prosecutor Reynolds said he cited being the sole caregiver for his young child and his grandmother as the reasons for his request.
The incident leading to Priester's arrest occurred on August 10, 2021, when the New Jersey State Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2010 black Volvo XC60.
Prosecutor Reynolds said the vehicle was observed speeding on the Atlantic City Expressway eastbound near milepost 23.2 in Hamilton Township. Priester was one of three occupants in the car and was found to have an active arrest warrant.
Consequently, he was taken into custody.
During a vehicle search, Prosecutor Reynolds said law enforcement discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun with seven hollow-point rounds concealed under the front passenger seat.
Priester eventually admitted to possessing and owning the handgun. Further investigation revealed that the handgun had been reported stolen in North Carolina.
Despite the serious nature of the charge and the stolen firearm, the court granted Priester's request for probation due to his caregiving responsibilities. However, he will still be under close supervision for the duration of his probation.
As part of his probation, Priester must adhere to strict conditions set by the court to ensure public safety and accountability.