MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Mount Olive Police Chief Michael Spitzer confirmed that Patrick J. O’Kane, 45, of Exeter, Pennsylvania, has been charged in connection with a domestic violence incident that occurred on October 5, 2024, in Mount Olive. O’Kane is a corrections officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
It is alleged that the victim and defendant were traveling together with a photographer to take photographs of the victim at a local campground. While traveling to the location, an argument ensued over a text message the victim received, which escalated into a physical altercation where the defendant strangled the victim, cut her with a knife in the abdomen, and pointed a firearm at her while threatening to kill her. The incident remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. The name and identity of the victim will not be released.
As a result of the investigation, the defendant has been charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault-Strangulation, second-degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, fourth-degree Aggravated Assault- Pointing a Firearm, third-degree Terroristic Threats, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (knife), fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (knife), third-degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon; third degree Aggravated Assault on a Domestic Violence Victim, and Disorderly Person offense Simple Assault. Under state law, the defendant’s arrest photograph will not be released.
Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, and following a detention hearing, the defendant has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Numerous law enforcement agencies participated in this investigation, including members of the Hackettstown Police Department, Mount Olive Police Department, Exeter Police Department (Pennsylvania), Newtown Police Department (Connecticut), and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Domestic Violence Unit.
Prosecutor Carroll noted, “Domestic violence is a serious crime. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to holding the perpetrators of domestic violence, especially those that involve physical violence and the use of a firearm or weapon, accountable under the law. I commend the law enforcement officers who responded. Through the skillful use of police de-escalation techniques, they were able to safely arrest the defendant, who had assaulted the victim with a knife and pointed a firearm while threatening to kill the victim.”
The New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act provides maximum protection to victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence there are resources available in Morris County to assist victims and their families at the Morris County Family Justice Center, which is located at 10 Court Street, 4th Floor, Morristown, New Jersey. The Morris Family Justice contact number is (973) 829-4050, or you can visit their website at www.morrisfjc.org or contact the Domestic Violence Abuse hotline at 1-877-R-U-ABUSED.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
