Toms River Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years for Drug Trafficking, Gun Charges

Masta Redding, a 38-year-old man from Toms River, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentencing followed a March 2020 raid where authorities discovered cocaine hidden in a coffee maker, a loaded Jimenez Arms pistol, and over $4,000 in cash at Redding's residence. Despite his prior felony convictions, Redding was found with drugs intended for distribution and attempted to obstruct the investigation by having another individual falsely claim ownership of the seized items. In addition to his prison sentence, Redding will serve three years of supervised release and must forfeit the firearm and ammunition. U.S. Attorney John Giordano highlighted the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies in bringing Redding to justice. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of drug trafficking and firearm offenses.