PIPERSVILLE, PA – A former Saladworks manager from Freehold, New Jersey is facing multiple felony charges after police say he supplied teenage employees with drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes over several years while working at restaurants in Bucks County.
According to the Plumstead Township Police Department, 33-year-old Richard “Ricky” Brooks of Freehold, New Jersey, was arrested December 24 following a months-long investigation that began in April, when officers received a ChildLine report accusing Brooks of grooming a male teenage employee.
Detectives later identified ten victims, all juveniles, who said Brooks furnished them with alcohol, marijuana cartridges, nicotine products, and Adderall between 2020 and 2024. Investigators determined that the conduct occurred while Brooks managed both Saladworks in Plumstead Township and a Wendy’s restaurant in Doylestown.
Police allege that during his employment at Wendy’s, Brooks inappropriately touched a male juvenile employee, an act prosecutors have charged as indecent assault.
Brooks was charged with multiple felony counts, including corruption of minors, indecent assault of a person under 16, and 16 counts of manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver controlled substances. He was arraigned December 24 before Magisterial District Judge Stacey Wertman, who set bail at $100,000, ten percent. Brooks was unable to post bail and remains held at Bucks County Prison pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 12 before Judge Gambardella.
Authorities say the investigation revealed that Brooks used his position of authority at several workplaces to gain the trust of teenage employees and provide them with drugs and alcohol. Police emphasized that all identified victims are receiving appropriate support services.
