By: Najla Alexander
Image by: Jersey Shore Online
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on January 9, Ricardo Cruickshank, 29, of Manchester Township, 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. Palmer, J.S.C., in connection with events that occurred in March 2023 in Manchester Township.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that, additionally, 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.
At the time of his sentencing on April 17, 2026, the State will be seeking terms of seven years in New Jersey State Prison as to each charge. The sentences are to run concurrently, OCPO officials say.
In March 2023, an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit identified a residence in Manchester as being utilized by Cruickshank to store and distribute cocaine, OCPO officials said.
According to Ocean County officials, on March 30, 2023, Detectives observed Cruickshank exit the residence and walk towards a BMW sedan. During the course of the investigation, 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.
As a result, Detectives seized approximately 90 grams of cocaine. Cruickshank was placed under arrest without incident, Ocean County officials stated.
The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team thereafter executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence, Ocean County officials say. As a result, Detectives seized a large quantity of marijuana and approximately $1,300 in United States currency. Cruickshank was charged accordingly and served with the charges via summons pending upcoming appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
In September and October 2024, OCPO officials stated that an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit identified a motel room in Lakehurst as being utilized by Cruickshank to store and distribute cocaine.
According to OCPO officials, on October 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.
As a result, Detectives seized quantities of cocaine and approximately $2,500 in United States currency. 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, Ocean County officials said. 
As a result, 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, Ocean County officials say.