MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Butler Police Chief Ciro Chimento and Kinnelon Police Chief John Schwartz announce the arrest of an individual stemming from an investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics.

This joint investigation was conducted by the Butler Police Department and the Kinnelon Police Department, with assistance from Morris County Sheriff’s SERT and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation culminated on Sunday, March 11, which led to the seizure of one fully automatic machine gun, one assault rifle, 79 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, approximately ten pounds of marijuana, mushrooms, two  shotguns, four rifles, one loaded handgun, high capacity magazines, silencers, throwing stars, metal knuckles, drug distribution related paraphernalia, the profits of suspected criminal activity in excess of $6,700 United States currency, and a 2006 Jeep.

The following individual was arrested as a result of this investigation:

Defendant: Richard J. Spielman

• One count of first-degree knowingly maintaining or operating a premise, place, or facility used for the manufacture of marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4.
• One count of first-degree possession with intent to distribute (marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B (10).
• One count of second-degree possession of a machine gun without being licensed under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5A.
• One count of second-degree possession of an assault firearm without being licensed under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5F.
• Nine counts of second-degree possession of firearm while in the course of committing a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4 in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1A.
• One count of second-degree possession of more than 5lbs. of marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B10 (B).
• One count of third-degree possession with intent to distribute (psilocybin), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5A (1).
• One count of third-degree possession of a CDS (psilocybin), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5A (1).
• One count of fourth-degree possession of a CDS (marijuana), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5A (1).
• One count of fourth-degree possession of two firearm silencers, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3C.
• One count of fourth-degree possession of metal knuckles, knives, throwing stars without any explainable lawful purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3E.
• One count of fourth-degree possession of multiple high capacity magazines, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3J.
• One count of possession of drug paraphernalia (a disorderly persons offense), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Richard J. Spielman was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a first appearance and a pre-trial detention hearing.

This investigation was led by Lieutenant Michael Moeller and Detective Jarred Schmiedhauser from the Butler Police Department, and Detective Sergeant David Crouthamel and Detective Rick McDonald from the Kinnelon Police Department.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MORRIS COUNTY — On the morning of Saturday, March 10, Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, First Assistant Prosecutor Tom Zelante, and Detective Patrick LaGuerre attended a program at the Church of God in Christ for All Saints in Morristown, hosted by the African American Clergy Association of Morris County, New Jersey. The guest speaker was the former Vice President and General Manager of the New York Giants, Jerry Reese.

The program is titled, “The Huddle: Calling the Right Plays to Win”, and is focused on offering young men in the community the opportunity to obtain information and guidance for their future endeavors. As the oldest of seven siblings in a poor family from Northwestern Tennessee, Reese learned early in his life what it would take to succeed. He specifically emphasized how important a positive attitude and a strong sense of faith can be for a young man.

The heart of Mr. Reese’s presentation comes from his vast experience in the world of football. As the title of the program shows, “The Huddle”, plays an enormous role in everyday life. Mr. Reese challenged the young men in the audience to build their own huddles, with people who are willing and excited to help them succeed in life. Just as each side in football has eleven players, Mr. Reese also offered the audience his eleven positive factors that will make their huddles as beneficial as possible.

Pastor Jerry Carter of Calvary Baptist Church opened the morning with an inspirational prayer. He organized this event, and it was the first installment of the quarterly programs that the African American Clergy Association of Morris County, New Jersey plan to host for members of the community. Pastor Carter worked with Pastor Robert Rogers, as well as with other members of the African American Clergy Association of Morris County, New Jersey to ensure that these young men had the opportunity to learn from someone who has proved that strong faith and positive attitudes go a long way.

Following Mr. Reese’s presentation, Prosecutor Knapp addressed the audience of approximately sixty guests, and explained his role as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Morris County, in which he is responsible for the 170 member Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and oversees thirty-eight municipal police departments. He lauded “The Huddle” program, as well as praised Mr. Reese for delivering an excellent presentation. Prosecutor Knapp then introduced First Assistant Prosecutor Zelante, who is the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office liaison to the Morris County Human Relations Commission, as well as Detective LaGuerre, who has always worked closely with the community in his twenty years of law enforcement.

The driving force behind this presentation, was the African American Clergy Association of Morris County, New Jersey’s desire to reach out to the adolescent members of the community, with the hopes of inspiring them to become the best members of society that they can be. Nearly have half of the audience were in fact teenagers, and the rest of the audience was comprised of members of the clergy, as well as local businessmen and officials. As Pastor Carter closed the meeting, he asked that all attendees work together in the future to plan these presentations for the community on a quarterly basis.