Story by Ethan
On July 3rd, 2025, the arrest of Jared D. Benka-Coker, age 19, was announced by Warren County Acting Prosecutor Jessica L. Cardone. Jared D. Benka-Coker was charged with second-degree Employing a Juvenile to Commit a Crime, fourth-degree Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, second-degree Conspiracy/Unlawful Possession of a Magazine (specifically an assault rifle), second-degree Conspiracy/Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, fourth-degree Conspiracy/Possession of Prohibited Weapons and Devices (specifically armor piercing ammunition), fourth-degree Conspiracy/Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, fourth-degree Possession of a Handgun Under the Age of 21, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of Children, and second-degree Possession of a Firearm Without a Serial Number (ghost gun). The arrest and charges against Jared D. Benka-Coker 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 the Washington Township Police Department’s K-9 Unit.
According to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, Jared D. Benka-Coker was located and arrested on July 3rd, 2025, following a month’s long investigation into a shooting incident that took place on June 7th, 2025. Allegedly Jared D. Benka-Coker had a role in employing two juveniles to commit a shooting. A court-authorized search warrant was executed at Jared D. Benka-Coker’s residence at 332 Hamilton Drive in Greenwich Township, New Jersey. Detectives were able to recover a loaded 9mm untraceable ghost gun and 31 round high capacity magazines.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Jared D. Benka-Coker are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
