El fiscal del condado de Ocean, Bradley D.. Billhimer anunció que en enero 9, 2026, Ricardo Cruickshank, 29, del municipio de Manchester, pled guilty to Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmero, J.S.C., in connection with events that occurred in March 2023 en el municipio de Manchester. Además, Cruickshank pled guilty to a second charge of Possessing More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute before Judge Palmer in connection with events that occurred in Lakehurst and Manchester Township in September and October 2024. En el momento de su sentencia en abril 17, 2026, the State will be seeking terms of seven years New Jersey State Prison as to each charge. Las oraciones deben ejecutarse simultáneamente..
In March 2023, an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Departamento de policía del municipio de Manchester, Equipo de Control de Narcóticos del Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Manchester, y la Unidad K-9 de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Ocean, identified a residence in Manchester as being utilized by Cruickshank to store and distribute cocaine. En marzo 30, 2023, Detectives observed Cruickshank exit the residence and walk towards a BMW sedan. Durante el transcurso de la investigación, it was determined that the BMW was being utilized by Cruickshank to store and distribute quantities of cocaine. Cruickshank was detained while Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the vehicle. Como resultado, Los detectives incautaron aproximadamente 90 gramos de cocaína. Cruickshank was placed under arrest without incident.
The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team thereafter executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence. Como resultado, Detectives seized a large quantity of marijuana and approximately $1,300 en moneda de estados unidos. Cruickshank was charged accordingly and served with the charges via summons pending upcoming appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
In September and October 2024, an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Departamento de policía del municipio de Manchester, Equipo de Control de Narcóticos del Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Manchester, y la Unidad K-9 de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Ocean, identified a motel room in Lakehurst as being utilized by Cruickshank to store and distribute cocaine. En octubre 10, 2024, Detectives from the aforementioned agencies observed Cruickshank driving his motor vehicle in Manchester Township. Detectives effectuated a motor vehicle stop and executed a court-authorized search warrant for Cruickshank’s motor vehicle. Como resultado, Detectives seized quantities of cocaine and approximately $2,500 en moneda de estados unidos.
The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team thereafter executed court-authorized search warrants on the subject motel room in Lakehurst as well as Cruickshank’s residence in Manchester. Como resultado, Detectives seized additional quantities of cocaine. Cruickshank was charged accordingly and served with the charges via summons pending upcoming appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato who is handling the case on behalf of the State, y elogia a la Fuerza de Ataque de Narcóticos de la Oficina del Fiscal del Condado de Ocean, Unidad de Confiscación de Activos de la Oficina del Fiscal del Condado de Ocean, Departamento de policía del municipio de Manchester, Equipo de Control de Narcóticos del Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Manchester, Oficina de detectives del Departamento de Policía del municipio de Manchester, Equipo SWAT regional del condado de Ocean, y la Unidad K-9 de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Ocean, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Cruickshank’s guilty pleas – y pronto su sentencia de prisión estatal.