Prosecutor: Beach Haven, NJ, Cop Left Gun Accessible to Juveniles

A sergeant with the Beach Haven, NJ, Police Department finds himself on the wrong side of the law after authorities say he left a loaded gun accessible to juveniles.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and Stafford Township Chief of Police Thomas Dellane say 50-year-old Andrew Wahlberg of Manahawkin has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child in connection to an incident that happened on May 18th.

According to officials, Wahlberg, "left a loaded Beretta 9mm handgun unsecured and accessible to juveniles."

Beach Haven NJ Police Department - Photo: Google Maps

Billhimer didn't release any specific details about the incident, however, according to patch.com, last week, a 15-year-old boy who was wearing all black clothing brought a loaded gun and a knife to Ocean Acres Park in Manahawkin. The gun that the child had was allegedly Beretta's, per their reporting.

The 15-year-old has been charged with second- and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon; he was being held in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

Wahlberg was served with the charge against him on a summons pending a first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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