TOMS RIVER — An Ocean County man has admitted to multiple cocaine distribution offenses stemming from separate investigations spanning more than a year, authorities said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Ricardo Cruickshank, 29, of Manchester Township, pleaded guilty January 9 to two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute involving more than one-half ounce but less than five ounces.
The first offense dates to March 2023, when investigators determined Cruickshank was using a Manchester Township residence to store and sell cocaine, according to the prosecutor’s office. Detectives conducting surveillance observed Cruickshank leave the home and approach a BMW sedan that authorities later determined was also being used in the operation.
A court-authorized search of the vehicle led to the seizure of about 90 grams of cocaine, and Cruickshank was arrested without incident. A subsequent search of the residence uncovered a large amount of marijuana and roughly $1,300 in cash. He was later served with charges by summons.
Cruickshank also pleaded guilty to a second distribution charge tied to activity in Lakehurst and Manchester Township during September and October 2024. Investigators identified a motel room in Lakehurst as another location used to store and distribute cocaine, authorities said.
On October 10, 2024, detectives stopped Cruickshank’s vehicle in Manchester Township and executed a search warrant, recovering additional quantities of cocaine and about $2,500 in cash. Further searches of the Lakehurst motel room and Cruickshank’s Manchester residence yielded more cocaine, prosecutors said.
At sentencing scheduled for April 17, the state will seek seven-year prison terms on each charge, to be served concurrently in New Jersey State Prison, Billhimer said.
The prosecutor credited Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato along with multiple county and local law enforcement agencies for their work in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
