By: Richard L. Smith
An Atlantic County man has admitted to threatening to kill members of his own family, according to information released by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors announced that Douglas Shuster, 41, of Mays Landing, pleaded guilty on July 28 before Superior Court Judge Ralph Paolone to one count of third-degree terroristic threats.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a sentence of three years in New Jersey State Prison.
According to authorities, the investigation began on January 7 after a man walked into the Mullica Township Police Department to report threats made against his family.
The complainant told investigators that his wife’s mother had received a phone call from her son, Shuster, while he was incarcerated in the Salem County Jail.
During the recorded jail call, Shuster allegedly threatened to kill his mother, sister, and brother-in-law if the home where he had been staying was sold or if his belongings went missing.
Investigators reviewed audio recordings of the call and said they confirmed Shuster repeatedly threatened to beat and kill the three family members.
Authorities also said he threatened to destroy their lives by making sure they would have no home, vehicle, or place to sleep.
Shuster is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a three-year state prison sentence.
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the case was investigated by the Mullica Township Police Department.