A fugitive convicted of operating a large-scale marijuana cultivation and distribution operation has been captured in Mexico and returned to New Jersey to await sentencing, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Jason Bacon, 43, formerly of Brick Township, was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Mexico on January 15, 2026. He was extradited to New Jersey on February 4, 2026, and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail, where he will remain detained pending sentencing on multiple drug- and financial-related convictions.

The case originated with an investigation that began in December 2017 by the Clayton Township (Gloucester County) Police Department after authorities discovered a large greenhouse constructed behind a vacant residence on Delsea Drive in Clayton Township. Investigators determined the property was consuming unusually high amounts of water and electricity and had received large freight deliveries consistent with illegal marijuana cultivation. Public records revealed the residence was owned by Bacon, who also maintained a home in Brick Township.

On April 26, 2018, law enforcement officers executed court-authorized search warrants at properties in Clayton Township and Brick Township. During the searches, detectives seized more than 25 pounds of marijuana, over five pounds of hashish and hashish products, marijuana plants, cultivation paraphernalia, and a loaded .25-caliber handgun. Bacon was arrested at the Brick Township residence and transported to the Ocean County Jail. Although initially ordered detained, he was later released in April 2019 as a result of New Jersey Bail Reform.

A subsequent financial investigation revealed that between 2013 and 2018, Bacon deposited more than $400,000 in illicit proceeds from illegal narcotics sales into his bank account. Authorities also determined that he failed to pay income taxes on this illegal income.

Bacon’s trial commenced on January 14, 2025, before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P. Bacon failed to appear for trial, which proceeded in his absence. On January 30, 2025, a jury found him guilty of two counts of Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility; Possession of More than 25 Pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Possession of More than Five Pounds of Hashish with Intent to Distribute; Possession of More than Five Pounds but Less than 25 Pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; two counts of Possession of More than Fifty Grams of Marijuana; Possession of More than Five Grams of Hashish; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense; Financial Facilitation; and four counts of Failure to File Income Tax Returns and Pay Income Tax.

Bacon is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Ryan on April 17, 2026.