Search of Neptune Residence Results in Three Arrests

Three individuals from Neptune Township were arrested on drug charges as a result of an ongoing coordinated investigation conducted by Monmouth County authorities.

Law enforcement officials from the Neptune Township Street Crimes Unit, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Strike Force, and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office recently executed a search warrant at a residence on Monroe Avenue in Neptune Township after a month-long investigation involving heroin.

Authorities reportedly discovered heroin and drug paraphernalia in the home, subsequently arresting three local residents. The three defendants, 54-year-old Joseph Walker, his girlfriend, 47-year-old Delonda Walker, and his niece, 38-year-old Shantay Walker, are now facing serious charges.

Specifically, Walker has been charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on bail set at $150,000 with no 10 percent option.

In addition, Delonda Walker was charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia and released pending her appearance in court. Lastly, Shantay Walker was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and also released on her own recognizance pending a court appearance.

Among the three people arrested as a result of the investigation, Joseph Walker is clearly facing the most serious charges. However, all of the Walkers may be subject to severe consequences if convicted. For instance, endangering the welfare of a child can be classified as a first, second, or third-degree crime, depending on the circumstances of the specific case.

Notably, these charges encompass offenses ranging from those involving child pornography to those for driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle. Essentially, “endangering,” as it is often termed, can apply to any conduct that may cause harm to a child under the age of sixteen. In this case, a child was most likely endangered due to the presence of controlled dangerous substances in the form of heroin on the premises.

For additional information related to this case, access the following article: 3 arrested after Neptune drug bust, police say