Morris County Prosecutor's Office Announces Drug and Firearm Arrest

Published on March 13, 2018

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 March 11, 2018, which led to 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, the profits of suspected criminal activity in excess of $6,700 United States currency, and a 2006 Jeep.

The following individual was arrested as a result of this investigation:

Defendant: Richard J. Spielman

  • One count of first-degree knowingly maintaining or operating a premise, place, or facility used for the manufacture of marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4.
  • One count of first-degree possession with intent to distribute (marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B (10).
  • One count of second-degree possession of a machine gun without being licensed under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5A.
  • One count of second-degree possession of an assault firearm without being licensed under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5F.
  • Nine counts of second-degree possession of firearm while in the course of committing a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4 in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1A.
  • One count of second-degree possession of more than 5lbs. of marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B10 (B).
  • One count of third-degree possession with intent to distribute (psilocybin), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5A (1).
  • One count of third-degree possession of a CDS (psilocybin), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5A (1).
  • One count of fourth-degree possession of a CDS (marijuana), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5A (1).
  • One count of fourth-degree possession of two firearm silencers, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3C.
  • One count of fourth-degree possession of metal knuckles, knives, throwing stars without any explainable lawful purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3E.
  • One count of fourth-degree possession of multiple high capacity magazines, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3J.
  • One count of possession of drug paraphernalia (a disorderly persons offense), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2.

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.

This investigation was led by Lieutenant Michael Moeller and Detective Jarred Schmiedhauser from the Butler Police Department, and Detective Sergeant David Crouthamel and Detective Rick McDonnald from the Kinnelon Police Department.

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.

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

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