Ocean County authorities announced today that Mr. Michael Trotman, 36, of Beachwood, was sentenced by the Honorable Michael T. Collins, J.S.C., to fifteen years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Possession of Cocaine in a Quantity Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(1), in connection with a motor vehicle stop and subsequent arrest thatoccurred on May 30, 2018 in Manchester Township.
Additionally authorities said Trotman was sentenced to eight years NJSP as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Possession of Cocaine in a Quantity Greater than One-Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2), relative to a motor vehicle stop and ensuing arrest that occurred on March 4, 2020 in Brick Township.
Trotman pled guilty to all charges before Judge Collins on January 11, 2021. The sentences will run concurrently.
On May 30, 2018, Manchester Township Police Officers executed a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Trotman. Trotman consented to a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of a hidden compartment in the center console area containing approximately 700 grams of Cocaine, as well as quantities of Codeine, Oxycodone Pills, and Marijuana – all packaged for distribution. Approximately $1400 in cash was also discovered in the vehicle and seized by the Officers.
Although initially lodged in the Ocean County Jail on this charge, Trotman was subsequently released by the Court as a consequence of bail reform.
On March 4, 2020, Brick Township Police stopped a motor vehicle operated by Trotman for swerving on a roadway.
Officers detected a strong odor of Marijuana; Trotman was subsequently found to be in possession of 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.