Yes, strictly verizon. (Correct me if I am wrong) I think to use cricket you use a cricket sim card and this phone does not use a sim card. It was only ever used on a verizon plan. Hope that helps!! :)
I'm pretty sure the phone was released in 2012. Other than that, I am really not sure. I do know it only ever had one elderly owner and was very rarely used. Excellent condition & very well taken care of!