Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the return of the indictment yesterday against Matthew Vladimir Vanderbeek, 19, of Cream Ridge.
The charges listed in the indictment include Count one Terrorism first degree, Count two Unlawful Possession of a Weapon fourth degree, Count three Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose third degree, and Count four Attempted Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose second degree.
The indictment stems from the investigation begun on June 19th by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit Det. Brant Uricks and Plumsted Township Police Det. Anthony Ringle into an alleged threat made by a New Egypt High School student to shoot students and staff at the school’s graduation ceremony.
The investigation by the partnering detectives quickly identified Matthew Vanderbeek as the suspect who allegedly utilized social media to communicate his intention to shoot school students and staff. A search warrant was approved and authorized to search Vanderbeek’s Hyacinth Court residence to check for weapons, additional evidence of the crime and to attempt to seize any communications made via phone or computer.
The search warrant and follow-up investigation verified the threats by Vanderbeek and found additionally that he was attempting to obtain a firearm.
Officials say he was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he remains incarcerated.