Flemington NJ
6-28-2026 12:35pm

Delaware Township Man Sentenced to State Prison for Possessing a Firearm to Threaten a Police Officer

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson announced that Edward Swantkoski, 66, of Delaware Township, New Jersey, was sentenced on June 18, 2026, by the Honorable Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., to an aggregate five‑year state prison term, during which he shall be ineligible for parole for three-and-one-half years. Pursuant to the New Jersey Graves Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:43‑6c), a conviction for certain firearms offenses — such as second‑degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39‑4a) — requires a custodial sentence with a mandatory minimum term fixed at either one‑half of the sentence imposed or forty‑two months, whichever is greater.On April 22, 2026, following a week‑long trial before Judge Garrenger, a Hunterdon County jury returned a guilty verdict against Swantkoski for third‑degree terroristic threats (N.J.S.A. 2C:12‑3a) and second‑degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39‑4a). The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on an additional charge of third‑degree aggravated assault by pointing or displaying a firearm at a law enforcement officer (N.J.S.A. 2C:12‑1b(9)).The charges stem from an incident on July 6, 2024, when officers from the Delaware Township Police Department, including Lieutenant Elliot Gray, responded to Swantkoski’s residence for a reported domestic dispute. Upon officers’ arrival, Swantkoski exited the home while armed with a semiautomatic handgun and acted with the purpose of terrorizing Lieutenant Gray.First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia represented the State at trial. AntonioMartinez, Esq., represented the defendant.Media inquiries should be directed to: Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Samantha Iraca at (908) 788-1299 or siraca@co.hunterdon.nj.us### See less

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