Galloway Man Admits Guilt In Gun Case: Prosecutor

MAYS LANDING, NJ — John Thompson III, 36, of Galloway Township pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose in Atlantic County court.

The plea calls for a recommended sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison, with a mandatory 42-month period of parole ineligibility under the Graves Act. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2026.

The charge stems from a June 30, 2025 investigation around 620 S. Simms Ave. in Galloway Township.

Police investigating an unrelated matter heard several gunshots in the area and found an injured man nearby with a gunshot wound.

While checking for any additional victims, officers went to Thompson's home and tried to contact anyone inside, according to authorities. After receiving no response, officers called Thompson to request entry into the home and access to an outside camera to help with the investigation, but he denied both requests.

Police later obtained search warrants for the residence and camera system. While executing the warrant, officers found a shotgun inside the home. After reviewing footage from the outdoor camera, officers saw Thompson on video holding a shotgun, officials said.

Thompson testified in court that the shotgun seen on the video was the same one recovered from the home and that he picked it up that night to use against someone outside his house. Officers also saw Thompson on the video pursuing the same injured man first found on the lawn and then moving off camera while carrying the shotgun, officials said.

Thompson was not permitted to own or purchase firearms in New Jersey or any other state, authorities said.

Before sentencing, Thompson asked to be released from the Atlantic County Jail. The state opposed that request, and the court denied it, keeping him detained based on the facts and circumstances of the case.