STAFFORD – A Beach Haven Police Sergeant has been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child after leaving a handgun unsecured and accessible to juveniles, officials said.
Andrew Wahlberg, 50, of the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township was given the charge in connection to an incident that occurred in Manahawkin on May 18. Neither the police department or the Prosecutor’s Office confirmed what event took place due to the age of the child involved.
The Stafford Township Police Department determined the Wahlberg had left a Beretta 9mm handgun unsecured and accessible to minors.
Wahlberg was served with the charge against him on a summons, pending a first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Stafford Township Chief of Police Thomas Dellane would like to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit as well as the Stafford Township Police Department for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
