By: Najla Alexander
Image by: Jersey Shore Online
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on February 20, Shakim Varick, 23, of Berkeley Township, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that occurred in Berkeley Township on May 30, 2024, before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C. 
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that Varick also pled guilty to an unrelated Robbery charge in connection with an incident that occurred on January 13, 2025, also in Berkeley Township. At the time of his sentencing on April 17, 2026, the State will be seeking a term of 18 months in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with an 18-month period of parole ineligibility as to the Aggravated Assault charge, and 10 years in NJSP as to the Robbery charge.
The sentence for the Robbery offense will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act. The sentences are to run concurrently, OCPO officials say.
According to Ocean County officials, on May 30, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department were summoned to the basketball courts on Third Avenue in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township for a report of an aggravated assault with a handgun.
An investigation by responding Officers revealed that an individual was at the basketball courts when a second individual approached and pointed a firearm at him. Further investigation identified Varick as the individual responsible for pointing the firearm at the victim, Ocean County officials said.
Ocean County authorities say that on June 17, 2024, Varick was taken into custody without incident at his residence in South Toms River by Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department. He was served with the charge via summons pending upcoming appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
OCPO officials said on January 13, 2025, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the area of the Eastern Soccer Complex for a report of an armed robbery. An investigation by responding Officers revealed that the victim had arranged to meet an individual at the soccer complex to complete a business transaction.
When that individual arrived, he brandished a handgun, demanded additional money, and threatened the victim with serious bodily harm if he failed to comply. The victim fled the scene and contacted police, Ocean County officials stated. 
Continuing investigation led to the identification of Varick as the individual who threatened and robbed the victim, according to Ocean County officials. On January 13, 2025, Varick was taken into custody at his residence without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been detained since that date.