MAYS LANDING, NJ – On Friday, July 31, 2026, Akeem Statin, 36, from Penns Grove, NJ, was
sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison subject to a five-year period of parole
ineligibility for second-degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Firearms by the Honorable Joseph
Levin, J.S.C.
On October 27, 2023, New Jersey State Police troopers received reports of an erratic driver
traveling on the Atlantic City Expressway at over 100 m.p.h. and swerving into traffic. Troopers
pulled over the driver, identified as Statin, and noticed signs of intoxication. Statin admitted to
consuming “a couple of drinks and a couple of shots” prior to operating the motor vehicle.
Troopers arrested Statin for driving under the influence, and they searched Statin’s vehicle for the
source of intoxication. Troopers discovered a loaded handgun in the center console. Statin has
a prior conviction that prohibits him from possessing any firearms.
On April 21, 2026, Statin pleaded guilty to second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and
second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm.
Assistant Prosecutor Brooke Melissa Hoffner represented the State in this matter.
