OCEAN COUNTY – A Beachwood man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine and other drugs with intent to distribute them.
Manchester Township Police Officers pulled over Michael Trotman, 36, of Beachwood, on May 30, 2018. Officers searched his car and discovered a hidden compartment which had approximately 700 grams of cocaine, as well as quantities of codeine, oxycodone pills and marijuana, all packaged for distribution. Police also found $1,400 in cash.
Trotman was lodged in the Ocean County Jail as a result, but was subsequently released.
Trotman was pulled over again on March 4, 2020, by Brick Township Police for swerving on a roadway. When officers smelled marijuana coming from the car, they found Trotman possessing more than one-half ounce of cocaine, as well as a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Trotman was taken into custody, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since the date of this arrest on March 4, 2020.
Trotman was charged with Possession of Cocaine in a Quantity Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute as well as Possession of Cocaine in a Quantity Greater than One-Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute. He pleaded guilty for these charges on January 11.
On May 7, Trotman was sentenced to 15 years in NJSP as a result of his first arrest from 2018. Additionally, he was sentenced to eight years in NJSP as a result of his second arrest from 2020.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Robert J. Cassidy who handled these cases on behalf of the State. Prosecutor Billhimer likewise commends the hard work and professionalism exhibited by both the Manchester Township Police Department and Brick Township Police Department in investigating these matters, which ultimately resulted in Trotman’s guilty pleas as well as his lengthy state prison sentence.
