Freehold Man Charged With Indecent Assault Of Minor

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Freehold man who was the manager of two Pennsylvania eateries is facing multiple felony charges after police said he gave minors alcohol and drugs, and committed an indecent assault on a juvenile, authorities said.

The Plumstead Township Police Department launched an investigation in April after receiving a ChildLine report about a former Saladworks manager who was grooming a male juvenile employee.

The manager was later identified by police as Richard "Ricky" Mark Brooks Jr., 33, of Freehold.

Police said 10 victims, who were all juveniles and minors, were then interviewed. Authorities learned that between 2020 and 2024, Brooks had been giving them alcohol, medical marijuana, cartridges, nicotine cigarettes, and his prescribed Adderall medication.

During the investigation, detectives discovered that Brooks also engaged in similar activities while employed as the manager of a Wendy’s in Doylestown, PA, and at his former home at the Fonthill Apartments.

While employed with Wendy’s, police said Brooks committed an indecent assault on a juvenile. At the time, he was between 28 and 30 years old, and the juvenile was between 15 and 17, police said.

On Dec. 11, police issued a felony arrest warrant for Brooks on charges of corruption of minors, indecent assault, and manufacture, delivery, or possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver.

On Dec. 24, Brooks was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Stacey Wertman, and bail was set at $100,000, 10 percent. Brooks, who was unable to post bail, was remanded to the Bucks County Prison.

Brooks’ preliminary arraignment is scheduled at Judge Gambardella’s Court on Jan. 12.