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 Mar. 11th, which led to the seizure of a 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.
Authorities arrested Richard J. Spielman as a result of the investigation and charged him with the following:
• One count of first-degree knowingly maintaining or operating a premise, place, or facility used for the manufacture of marijuana.
• One count of first-degree possession with intent to distribute (marijuana).
• One count of second-degree possession of a machine gun without being licensed.
• One count of second-degree possession of an assault firearm without being licensed.
• Nine counts of second-degree possession of firearm.
• One count of second-degree possession of more than 5lbs. of marijuana.
• One count of third-degree possession with intent to distribute (psilocybin).
• One count of third-degree possession of a CDS (psilocybin).
• One count of fourth-degree possession of a CDS (marijuana).
• One count of fourth-degree possession of two firearm silencers.
• One count of fourth-degree possession of metal knuckles, knives, throwing stars without any explainable lawful purpose.
• One count of fourth-degree possession of multiple high capacity magazines.
• One count of possession of drug paraphernalia (a disorderly persons offense).
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.
Criminal complaints are merely accusations. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.