MAYS LANDING – Deshoin Rowell, 22, of Northfield, was sentenced by the Honorable Nancy L. Ridgway, J.S.C. on Wednesday, May 31, to five years in New Jersey State Prison concurrent on three separate indictments charging him with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
He must serve 85 percent of that sentence before being eligible for parole.
After an extensive investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit from July of 2019, Rowell was arrested after he distributed cocaine to an undercover police operative in the area of North Main Street in Pleasantville. He received three years in state prison for that offense.
On December 30, 2019, Pleasantville Police responded to a ShotSpotter Alert in the area of West Wright Street and Chestnut Avenue. Four rounds were fired by Rowell’s codefendant, Devon Williams, who has previously pled guilty for his involvement in the crime. A .45 caliber Glock 30 semi-automatic handgun was located in Rowell’s bedroom that is believed to have been used in the shooting. Rowell was sentenced pursuant to the Graves Act to five years N.J.S.P. where he must serve three and one-half years before he is eligible for parole.
Lastly, on July 4, 2021, at a Northfield bonfire at Rowell’s residence he deliberately poured flammable liquid onto the clothing of his victim causing him to catch on fire. The victim was hospitalized and suffered first, second, and third degree burns to his hands, arms, stomach, and inner thigh resulting in a lengthy recovery process. Rowell was sentenced to a five-year NJSP term wherein he must serve 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole pursuant to the No Early Release Act.
Assistant Prosecutors Ryan Jones and Harlee Stein represented the state.