NJ Man Sentenced to 12+ Years in Federal Prison on Drug and Firearm Charges

Masta Redding, 38, was also found to have attempted to obstruct justice by submitting a false affidavit

CAMDEN, N.J. — A Toms River man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced on March 26, 2025.

Masta Redding, 38, received a sentence of 151 months (approximately 12 years and 7 months) in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court.

Redding had been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to court records and statements made during the proceedings, Redding was found in possession of cocaine both on his person and at his residence on March 5, 2020, which he intended to distribute. Law enforcement also recovered a Jimenez Arms pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition from the same location. As a previously convicted felon, Redding was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The case also revealed that, following his arrest, Redding attempted to obstruct justice by paying another individual to submit a false affidavit to authorities. The affidavit falsely claimed that the cocaine and firearm discovered in Redding’s home belonged to the third party.

In addition to the prison sentence, Redding was ordered to forfeit the weapon and ammunition used during the offense.

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., in coordination with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Asbury Park Police Department.

The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Belgiovine in Trenton and Elisa T. Wiygul in Camden.