By: Jeff Sommes
A Salem County man has admitted to illegal firearm possession following a traffic stop on a South Jersey highway, according to authorities.
Officials said Akeem Statin, 36, of Penns Grove, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, before Joseph Levin to second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm.
Under the plea agreement, Statin is expected to be sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison, with a five-year period of parole ineligibility.
Authorities said the charges stem from an incident on October 27, 2023, when troopers with the New Jersey State Police responded to reports of an erratic driver traveling more than 100 miles per hour on the Atlantic City Expressway.
Troopers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Statin.
During the stop, officers observed signs of intoxication. Statin admitted to consuming “a couple of drinks and a couple of shots” before driving, authorities said.
Following his arrest for driving under the influence, troopers searched the vehicle and discovered a loaded handgun in the center console. 
Officials noted that Statin has a prior conviction that legally prohibits him from possessing a firearm.