Wild guess here but if the cigar when you cut it was "crumbly" it may be the cigar (I believe you mentioned you bought from JRs).

The humidity shouldn't be a problem (assuming the humidity reading is correct). You may be using to much force to "squeeze the cigar" when you hear "crackling". Your only suppose to lightly squeeze it with minimal force and see a slight sponge movement on the tip of the cigar.


The only other explanation of the loss of humidity is that the seal on the humidor may be bad and humidity may be lost at the higher temps (you mentioned I believe 74-75 F, most recommendations are to keep cigars around 70f at 70% humidity).

If your still having problems after verifying the above I'm not sure what the problem is.