Victor Martinez
A Hammonton man who admitted gun possession and brandishing a knife in separate cases was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday.
Victor Martinez, 55, pleaded guilty in January to three cases, and was released pending sentencing against the state's objections.
His release was revoked Feb. 25, and he has been jailed since. It was not clear why his release was revoked.
Martinez first was arrested Feb. 29, 2024, after he was stopped on London Avenue in Egg Harbor City as part of a drug investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office and Egg Harbor City police.
A warranted search led to a backpack containing a Glock 9mm handgun with two extended magazines and small quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl.
A prior robbery conviction made Martinez unable to legally possess a weapon.
Martinez also admitted that he had been involved in two prior separate incidents in Egg Harbor City during which he brandished a pocketknife during a verbal argument, and obstructed police officers who were conducting a drug-related investigation.
He must serve at least five years before he is eligible for parole under the Graves Act, which is used in gun cases.
Martinez also now has a new charge for tampering with evidence. He allegedly stepped on an "improvised knife" that fell as it was being passed between two inmates while the three were in a holding cell at the courthouse.
He is charged with fourth-degree tampering with evidence in that case.
Martinez is now in the Atlantic County Justice Facility awaiting transfer to state prison.
