An Atlantic County sheriff's officer was given a suspended sentence for threatening his then-girlfriend in texts as he drove around with guns in his car.
Daniel Ginsburg also must forfeit all public office.
The incident last April was the result of a relapse in addiction after more than a decade clean, attorney Steve Scheffler told Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury.
Ginsburg apologized for his actions and has recommitted to his sobriety, he said .
He is currently in treatment in California, where he hopes to stay, Scheffler said.
Ginsburg also has the promise of a job there. "He believes a disconnect from this area is best for everyone," Scheffler said.
What was described by the defense as a toxic relationship with the victim was exacerbated by the toxins Ginsburg put into his own body, the judge said.
Rather than impose probation, DeLury gave Ginsburg a five-year suspended sentence, saying that would keep him under watch for a longer time period.
Treatment will be "a moral obligation" not a condition of sentence, DeLury said.
Ginsburg helped many people in the 12 years he was clean, Scheffler said.
That included friend Brad Jacobson, who spoke on his friend's behalf.
Jacobson said Ginsburg has been working the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and is on the eighth, making a list to make amends.
The victim, who had been at previous court appearances to support Ginsburg, was not in court and wants no contact with him, Assistant Prosecutor Erika Halayko told the judge.
That was granted.
