Jason Prontnicki, 45, of Bayonne, was found guilty of armed robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.
SOMERVILLE -- A Bayonne man who had been in a relationship with a Middlesex County judge was sentenced to 10 years in state prison Friday in Somerset County Superior Court for robbing a pharmacy.
Jason Prontnicki (File photo)Jason Prontnicki, 45, was found guilty on Sept. 15 of armed robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with the armed robbery on April 29, 2013. He brandished a lug wrench during the robbery, according to authorities.
Prontnicki must serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. He has a total of 2 years and 187 days of jail credit. He had faced up to 20 years in state prison.
"I'm extremely sorry," Prontnicki told Judge Robert B. Reed before his sentencing. "I ask myself many times how did this happened? I feel I should take full responsibility for my actions."
Prontnicki, who has a history of drug abuse, maintained he was addicted to drugs at the time of the robbery and is clean now.
The case had initially been transferred from Middlesex County to Somerset County because Prontnicki had been in a relationship with Middlesex County Judge Carlia M. Brady at the time he was arrested.
Indictment dismissed against judge
Brady had faced a charge of second-degree official misconduct after she was accused of harboring Prontnicki, however, that charge was later dismissed.
Prontnicki used a crowbar to rob the owner of Woods Pharmacy on Texas Road in Old Bridge, authorities said. But having been a customer of the pharmacy, he was recognized by the owner, authorities said.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.