Sussex County man sentenced to seven years for firearms, drug, and animal cruelty offenses
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — A Hampton Township man has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for multiple offenses, including unlawful possession of firearms, drug distribution, and animal cruelty, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil K. Kabse announced.
Jason Hetzel, 45, was sentenced June 13 before Superior Court Judge Janine M. Allen at the Sussex County Courthouse. Hetzel must serve a 42-month mandatory period of parole ineligibility. He received credit for 462 days already served in county jail, and he was ordered to submit a DNA sample and pay $2,830 in mandatory fees and penalties.
Hetzel had pleaded guilty to second-degree possession of a firearm with intent to use it unlawfully, second-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, second-degree criminal facilitation/money laundering, third-degree animal cruelty, third-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree hindering his own apprehension.
The charges stemmed from a March 8, 2024, investigation in Hampton Township after State Police responded to a report of three dead puppies that had been shot. An eight-hour standoff followed, ending with Hetzel’s surrender. Authorities said Hetzel had grown and distributed large quantities of marijuana from his residence, unlawfully possessed and discharged firearms, caused property damage exceeding $2,000, and killed two dogs by gunfire.
During his plea, Hetzel also admitted to killing another young dog by blunt force trauma and attempting to destroy evidence by burning drugs and ammunition in a fireplace during the standoff.
Hetzel was represented by Thomas Militano, while Special Deputy Attorney General and Acting Assistant Prosecutor Jerome Neidhardt handled the case for the state.
