The Attorney General’s Initiative Award honors a county prosecutor’s office that demonstrated outstanding efforts toward advancing one of the Attorney General’s key initiatives, namely “Combating Bias, Hate, and Violence” or “Reducing Gun Violence.”

“Hate Has No Home in Ocean County” Initiative by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office

During Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer’s tenure, the Office has been dedicated to fighting against hate crimes, guided by the “Hate Has No Home in Ocean County” message. Notable cases include the prosecution of Dion Marsh, who pleaded guilty to violent acts meant to terrorize the Jewish community. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has also designed a systematic approach to reduce hate crimes by collaborating with law enforcement and community leaders to educate young people. Additionally, the Office partnered with the Youth Services Commission to offer Challenge Day to every high school in the County. This workshop on empathy awareness and community building helps identify issues related to bullying, which, in extreme cases, can lead to criminal conduct.