Kinnelon Man Sentenced for Weapons and Drugs

Published on September 19, 2018

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the sentencing of Richard J. Spielman 46, of Kinnelon, New Jersey. On July 9, 2018, Spielman entered guilty pleas before the Honorable Catherine I. Enright, J.S.C., to first degree Maintenance of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility and Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun. As part of the plea agreement, Mr. Spielman forfeited nearly $6800 in United States currency.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., sentenced Spielman, on the drug charges to six (6) years in New Jersey State Prison. Spielman is required to serve thirty-six (36) months before becoming eligible for parole. Judge Taylor also imposed a concurrent three (3) year state prison term with twelve (12) months of parole ineligibility on the weapons count.

The investigation, led by detectives from the Butler Police Department and Kinnelon Police Department, culminated on March 11, 2018 with the seizure of one (1) fully automatic machine gun, one (1) assault rifle, 79 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, approximately ten (10) pounds of marijuana, mushrooms, two (2) shotguns, four (4) rifles, one (1) loaded handgun, high capacity magazines, silencers, throwing stars, metal knuckles, drug distribution related paraphernalia, nearly $6,800 United States currency, and a 2006 Jeep.

Prosecutor Knapp stated The Morris County Prosecutor's Office will continue to seek incarceration of convicted for-profit drug dealers and those who possess weapons in contravention of state and federal law. We hope that the sentences the Court imposed today serve to deter not just this defendant but others who engage in similar criminal activity.

The investigation was led by Lieutenant Michael Moeller and Detective Jarred Schmiedhauser from the Butler Police Department, and Detective Sergeant David Crouthamel and Detective Rick McDonnell from the Kinnelon Police Department, with assistance from the Morris County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Peter DiGennaro at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or 973-829-8159.