A Toms River man has been sentenced to five years in state prison for his role in a terrifying kidnapping that took place in Manchester Township, Ocean County, New Jersey.
The man, 41-year-old Brian A. Mooney, was handed the sentence by Superior Court Judge Kimarie Rahill after pleading guilty to charges of criminal restraint.
The charges stem from a disturbing incident that unfolded on February 14, 2023, when local police responded to a kidnapping call that would quickly escalate into a major law enforcement operation.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Mooney had forced a woman into a vehicle and driven her against her will. Police reported that the victim was able to escape and call for help shortly after.
Her report led officers to Mooney’s home in Toms River, where they believed he had barricaded himself inside with firearms. The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team was immediately deployed due to the potential danger.
What followed was a tense hours-long standoff, with nearby residents on edge. Police said Mooney refused to come out of the house, prompting a full SWAT response.
Eventually, officers made their way into the home and discovered that Mooney was no longer there. A search was launched, and he was found and arrested later that day in the Manahawkin area.
During the legal proceedings, the victim shared a powerful statement with the court, detailing how the kidnapping had left her traumatized. The prosecutor’s office acknowledged her bravery in coming forward and cooperating throughout the case.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Manchester Township Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. Their joint efforts were praised for swiftly locating and arresting Mooney after the initial escape.
As part of his plea deal, Mooney admitted that he unlawfully restrained the woman and acted in a way that threatened her safety.
The court dismissed more serious charges in exchange for the guilty plea, including kidnapping and weapons offenses. However, the judge made it clear during sentencing that Mooney’s actions had lasting consequences for the victim and the community.
The five-year prison sentence will be served in New Jersey State Prison. Mooney will be required to serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act.
This law is typically applied to crimes involving violence or threats of violence, ensuring longer periods of incarceration before parole eligibility.
In addition to his prison time, Mooney will also be subject to mandatory supervision upon release and must comply with any protective orders in place regarding the victim.
The case is a reminder of how swiftly domestic-related incidents can escalate into serious criminal cases. Authorities stressed the importance of early reporting in such cases and credited the victim’s decision to contact police with helping prevent further harm.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer thanked all involved law enforcement agencies and reassured the public that the criminal justice system is working to protect victims and bring offenders to justice. He noted that while no sentence can undo the trauma, accountability is key to healing and moving forward.
Mooney’s sentencing brings a close to a case that left many in Ocean County shaken. While the victim continues her recovery, the outcome in court offers a sense of justice and a warning to others about the serious consequences of such crimes.