Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 20, 2024, the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., sentenced Robert Murray, Jr., 61, of Manchester, to ten years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Possession of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township in February 2023. Murray pled guilty to the charge before Judge Vicari on May 6, 2024.
On February 23, 2023, in furtherance of an ongoing narcotics investigation, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, executed court-authorized search warrants on a motor vehicle and residence in Manchester Township that was being utilized by Murray to store and distribute Cocaine. On that date, Detectives effectuated a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Murray in Lakewood. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 71 grams of Cocaine, and Murray was taken into custody without incident. Subsequent thereto, Detectives executed a warrant on the subject Manchester residence. As a result, Detectives seized an additional quantity of Cocaine and approximately $37,250 in United States Currency. Murray was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform…