Story by Ethan
On July 3rd, 2025, the arrest of Jared D. Benka, age 19, was announced by Acting Warren County Prosecutor Jessica L. Cardone. Jared D. Benka was charged with second-degree Employing a Juvenile to Commit a Crime, second-degree Conspiracy/Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second-degree Conspiracy/Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second-degree Conspiracy/Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Weapons and Devices, second-degree Possession of a Firearm Without a Serial Number, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of Children, fourth-degree Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, fourth-degree Conspiracy/Possession of Prohibited Weapons and Devices, and fourth-degree Possession of a Handgun Under the Age of 21. The arrest and charges against Jared D. Benka were a result of an investigation handled by the Greenwich Township Police, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, Warren County Tactical Response Team, Phillipsburg Police Department, and Washington Township Police Department’s K-9 Unit.
According to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, Jared D. Benka was located and arrested on July 3rd, 2025, following a month-long investigation in connection to a shooting that took place on June 7th, 2025. A court-authorized search warrant was carried out at the property on 332 Hamilton Drive, Greenwich, New Jersey that uncovered a 9mm untraceable ghost gun and 31 round high capacity magazines. Allegedly Jared D. Benka had enlisted two minors, ages 14 and 17, to commit criminal acts on his behalf. The shooting took place on June 7th, 2025, when shots fired were reported from a 911 call being made in the area of Dumont Road and Hamilton Drive. Responding officers reported no injuries or property damage related to the shooting, and law enforcement uncovered an assault rifle, armor piercing ammunition, and a large capacity magazine.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Jared D. Benka are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
