By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on October 24, Walter Maxim, 44, of Beachwood, was charged with three counts of Bias Intimidation, Terroristic Threats, Stalking, and Harassment.
Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan stated on October 23, 2023, an individual appeared at Beachwood Police Department Headquarters to report that he and members of his family had been the victims of bias-related threats and communications.
Officials stated the victim stated that his son attends school outside the state of New Jersey and was known to Maxim’s family.
According to officials, a subsequent investigation by the Beachwood Police determined that between July 2023 and the present, Maxim sent the victim’s son numerous text messages that contained racial slurs, vulgarities, and threatening statements directed toward him and his family.
The victim’s son did request that Maxim refrain from contacting him, but the threatening messages continued, authorities say.
Officials said on October 24, Maxim was taken into custody without incident at his residence.
He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing, officials say.
According to officials, First Assistant Prosecutor Nolan acknowledges the Beachwood Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Maxim’s arrest.
