Prosecutor: Former Middletown Cop Indicted on 22 Counts of Official Misconduct, Illegal Firearms and Drug Charges

A former Middletown Police sergeant has been indicted on 22 counts of charges stemming from abuse of his authority as a law enforcement officer and the illegal possession of three types of narcotics, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Thursday.

David Ringkamp, 43, previously of Union Beach, has been indicted on the charges of: second-degree engaging in a pattern of official misconduct, second-degree official misconduct (six counts), third-degree computer criminal activity (five counts), third-degree narcotics offenses (five counts), fourth-degree hindering apprehension (two counts), fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence (two counts), and a single count of fourth-degree obstruction of justice.

“The conduct alleged in this criminal indictment is egregious and disgraceful, and is an unconscionable betrayal of the former officer’s sacred oath of office and sworn duty to uphold the law,” Middletown Police Chief Craig Weber said. “Mr. Ringkamp was immediately suspended without pay pending his termination, which became final on April 22, 2022.”

The case background …

An investigation into Ringkamp was initiated in December of 2021, after the New York State Police developed information during an investigation indicating that 33-year-old Nicholas D’Ambrosio, of Millstone, had purchased several kits for the manufacture of what are known as “ghost guns” — untraceable makeshift firearms assembled from individual parts, which are illegal in New Jersey.

The New York State Police contacted the New Jersey State Police after D’Ambrosio had transported the kits to his vape shop, JR Vapors, in Millstone. Police then observed Ringkamp and his now-former wife, 31-year-old Amanda Ringkamp (a/k/a Amanda Belfiore), arrive at the vape shop and help D’Ambrosio conceal the firearm parts in Ringkamp’s vehicle. Upon police stopping the vehicle, Ringkamp identified himself as a sergeant with the Middletown Police Department.

Further investigation revealed that Ringkamp agreed to assist D’Ambrosio with removing the illegal firearm parts from the vape shop after D’Ambrosio realized the police were watching him.

A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up the ghost gun kits, cocaine, and dozens of methamphetamine pills. A search of JR Vapors revealed over 25 pounds of marijuana and marijuana edible products, a fully assembled “ghost gun,” and evidence that D’Ambrosio was illegally selling marijuana out of the store.

A search of Ringkamp’s home several days later revealed additional illegal narcotics, including cocaine and anabolic steroids. Ringkamp and his former wife were arrested and charged with the aforementioned narcotics offenses, and later released on their own recognizance pending the resolution of the case. It was also discovered that Ringkamp deleted text messages to hinder the investigation into both himself and D’Ambrosio.

Ringkamp is also charged with using law enforcement databases, that he only had access to by virtue of his position, to conduct searches on D’Ambrosio and other individuals on dozens of occasions over a three-year time period, in the absence of any legitimate policing purpose.

The case against Ringkamp will proceed with an upcoming Monmouth County Superior Court hearing that is yet to be scheduled.

D’Ambrosio was arrested again in February of 2024 and charged with manufacturing ghost gun parts on a 3D printer and additional drug offenses. In of August 2024, he was sentenced to eight years in state prison after pleading guilty to a second-degree drug charge, third-degree possession of ghost gun parts, fourth-degree hindering apprehension, a third-degree drug charge, and second-degree manufacturing a ghost gun.

“It is critical that we work together to increase the public’s trust in government,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Once again, I commend the work of New Jersey’s law enforcement community, which worked together with our Office of Public Integrity and Accountability to investigate this case. We entrust police officers with power and responsibility with the expectation they will use it with integrity, serving the public and strengthening public safety. These allegations represent an extraordinary violation of those duties, and the honor that comes with the badge.”

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office