An Atlantic City man has admitted to assault and illegal weapons charges stemming from two separate incidents investigated by local police.
Authorities say Shawn Braxton, 49, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty Monday, March 9, in Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing to second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun without a permit and third-degree aggravated assault.
Under the plea agreement, Braxton is expected to serve five years in New Jersey State Prison, with three and a half years before becoming eligible for parole. Prosecutors say the sentence will run concurrently with another four-year state prison term.
The charges stem from two separate encounters with police.
According to investigators, the first incident happened December 7, 2024, when Atlantic City Police responded to a reported assault. Authorities say Braxton spat on, punched, and attempted to spray pepper spray at another person during the confrontation before being taken into custody.
Despite prosecutors requesting detention at the time, a judge ordered Braxton released under pretrial monitoring.
Months later, on June 29, 2025, police conducted a motor vehicle stop and discovered Braxton — who was a passenger in the car — in possession of a handgun without a permit, authorities said.
Following that arrest, the court ordered him detained pending trial.
Braxton is scheduled to be sentenced April 20, 2026, in Atlantic County Superior Court.