NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil K. Kabse announced that Andrew O’Connell, 41, of Wantage Township, was sentenced June 25 to three years in state prison, including a one-year mandatory period of parole ineligibility, following his conviction on assault and weapons charges stemming from a domestic violence incident.
The sentence was handed down by Superior Court Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz at the Sussex County Courthouse. O’Connell was credited with 316 days already served in the Sussex County Jail. In addition to incarceration, he must submit a DNA sample and pay $455 in mandatory fees and penalties.
O’Connell previously pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree unlawful possession of a firearm manufactured without a serial number, and third-degree unlawful possession of a loaded rifle. The charges followed a New Jersey State Police response to a domestic violence incident on Aug. 13, 2024, in Wantage Township.
During his arrest, O’Connell assaulted a State Trooper. A subsequent investigation revealed he had unlawfully possessed multiple firearms.
O’Connell was represented by defense attorney Peter Gilbreth. The State was represented by Special Deputy Attorney General and Acting Assistant Prosecutor Jerome Neidhardt.
