By: Richard L. Smith
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Robert Murray, Jr., a 61-year-old resident of Manchester, has been sentenced to ten years in New Jersey State Prison following his guilty plea to charges of possessing and intending to distribute cocaine.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., on September 20.
Officials said in a statement that Murray’s guilty plea, entered on May 6, 2024, stemmed from an incident in February 2023 when law enforcement officials uncovered his involvement in a narcotics operation in Lakewood Township.
On February 23, 2023, detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed search warrants on both a vehicle and a residence connected to Murray in Manchester Township.
During the operation, officers conducted a traffic stop on Murray’s vehicle in Lakewood, leading to the discovery and seizure of approximately 71 grams of cocaine.
Murray was taken into custody without incident. Later that day, a search of his Manchester residence revealed an additional quantity of cocaine and approximately $37,250 in cash.
Murray was initially held at the Ocean County Jail but was released under New Jersey’s Bail Reform guidelines.
He has now been sentenced to a decade behind bars for his role in the drug distribution scheme, which involved possession of more than half an ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Authorities continue to emphasize the seriousness of drug-related offenses and remain committed to combating narcotics distribution within the community.
