By Anthony Payero
(LONG BRANCH, N.J.) A Long Branch police officer is facing multiple charges related to allegedly operating a meth lab out of his home, authorities said Monday, according to ABC 7.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni announced 50-year-old Christopher Walls, who was suspended without pay from the Long Branch Police Department, created and managed the methamphetamine laboratory at his West End Avenue home.
"Thanks to the swift action of our office, the Long Branch Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police, a very serious risk to public safety has been averted," Gramiccioni said. "The collaborative efforts of our agencies dismantled a very dangerous situation. It is particularly distressing that this hazard was caused by a sworn law enforcement officer."
Long Branch Mayor John Pallone also released a statement via Facebook regarding the arrest of Walls.
"The city has a no tolerance policy for any illegal activity committed by police officers, Pallone's statement read."They must be held to the highest standard."
Long Branch police reported to Walls' home after receiving a 911 call around 10:36 p.m. Sunday due to a domestic disturbance. A fellow resident of the home spoke to police on-site and said Walls was allegedly involved with narcotics, per ABC 7.
The New Jersey State Police Hazmat Unit arrived at the scene and found materials, chemicals and instruments required for a methamphetamine laboratory in both the basement of the home and in a shed on the property.
The Hazmat Unit reported that Walls owned all ingredients needed to manufacture methamphetamine and found methamphetamine residue in chemistry-related glassware on-site, per ABC 7.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office's Professional Responsibility and Narcotics Units and the Long Branch Police Department worked together to show that Walls owned books that regarded producing methamphetamine, explosives and poison.
Officials also located a large gun safe, unlocked, in the home where a child resided as well. The gun safe held two long guns, four handguns, eight high-capacity magazines and a large amount of ammunition.
"The officers in our agency risk their lives daily to protect and serve our residents," acting Long Branch Police Chief Frank Rizzuto said. "It is disappointing beyond measure that one of our officers could have risked the safety of his family and neighbors by engaging in such dangerous conduct. This officer's actions do not reflect the moral compass of our officers or this agency."
Walls is facing multiple charges including maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession of a firearm, risking widespread injury, endangering the welfare of a child, manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
If found guilty, Walls could spend up to 20 years behind bars in a New Jersey state prison.