AN EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP MAN INDICTED ON CHARGES OF ATTEMPTED MURDER AND AGGRAVATED ARSON
" Jamal Preston Of Egg Harbor Indicted On Charges Of Attempted Murder & Aggravated Arson In Connection With Lakewood Residence."
June 25, 2021 By Art Fletcher & Morell Morand Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News,
LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, NJ.- On Thursday, June 24, 2021, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on Thursday, June 24, 2021, Jamal Preston, 26, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was Indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County, New Jersey on a Charge of Attempted Murder, and also Four Counts of Aggravated Arson, in connection with a fire he intentionally set to a residential home in Lakewood, New Jersey, on August 22, 2020.
On August 22, 2020, members of The Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a report of a fire at a residence in Lakewood. An investigation by The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit- Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office, and New Jersey State Fire Marshal's K-9 Unit, determined that the fire had been intentionally set utilizing an ignitable liquid and an open flame.
Further investigation determined that Mr. Preston in fact intentionally set the fire while the residence was occupied by three individuals. Mr. Preston fled the scene, but was arrested at a motel in Absecon, New Jersey by The United States Marshals Service on August 31, 2020. Preston has been lodged in The Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge The Law Enforcement Agencies that participated in the investigation which resulted in the Indictment of Mr. Preston.
" The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, Which States: The Charges Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER JUNE 25, 2021: LAW, OCEAN: