TRENTON, N.J. – Jeffrey Backlund, 57, of Waretown, New Jersey, is headed to federal prison after a judge slammed him with a 12-month and one-day sentence for a bizarre combination of weapons violations and impersonating federal law enforcement. Backlund pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, a silencer, and five counterfeit badges identifying him as agents from agencies he had no connection to.
The case unfolded after Ocean Township Police responded to a domestic disturbance at Backlund’s residence on September 6, 2020. A subsequent search warrant revealed a disturbing cache: a homemade, AR-style .223 caliber rifle lacking a serial number and branding, and a silencer attached to it. Both items, according to federal law, should have been registered with the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record – but weren’t. This isn’t a case of a forgotten form; it’s a clear disregard for the law regarding dangerous weapons.
But the firearms weren’t the full extent of Backlund’s alleged deception. Investigators also discovered two wallets stuffed with fabricated federal identification. Backlund had crafted convincing-looking badges claiming he was an FBI Special Agent, a U.S. Marshal, an ATF Special Agent, and a DEA Special Agent. All of it was fake. He had no authority to possess these badges, raising serious questions about his intentions. Was he attempting to intimidate, or something far more sinister?
U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan didn’t mince words during sentencing. In addition to the year-plus prison term, Backlund was slapped with three years of supervised release and a $5,000 fine. The judge clearly saw through Backlund’s actions, recognizing the potential danger posed by both the illegal weapons and the fraudulent impersonations.
The investigation was a multi-agency effort, with the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and Ocean Township Police Department all contributing. This case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling complex federal crimes. Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy (FBI Newark), Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan R. Miller (ATF Newark), Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson (DEA Newark), Marshal Juan Mattos Jr. (U.S. Marshals), Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer (Ocean County), and Chief Michal J. Rogalski (Ocean Township Police) all oversaw aspects of the probe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the Criminal Division in Trenton prosecuted the case. Backlund’s attempt to arm himself with illegal weaponry and falsely represent himself as a federal agent has landed him in prison. This sentencing sends a clear message: such behavior will not be tolerated. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and any related developments.
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