Sheriff's Department Arrests Howell Pair With Handgun and Drugs

While serving a warrant to Howell residents James Williams, 26, and Jennifer Anderson, 21, representatives of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Department discovered a weapon and narcotic items.

The warrants were served on Feb. 4 on North American Drive at which time sheriff's officers reportedly noticed "a strong odor of marijuana." A press release from the Sheriff's department said at Anderson gave permission for the officers to search the home at which time a 25 caliber semiautomatic handgun was located. The gun reportedly had a "defaced serial number," when it was found in a closet.

In addition the department's K-9 unit located 43 bags of heroin, less than 50 grams of marijuana as well as a small amount of cocaine according to the release. 

The arrest was conducted by Sheriff's Officers John Esposito, Randy Morgan and Glenn Engelken as well as Joyce Schmidt. They were joined by Sheriff's Officer Kurt Kroeper and his K-9 partner Evan.

Williams and Anderson were charged with possession of a defaced firearm and possession of a firearm without a permit for they handgun. They were also charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute and possession of paraphernalia.

Currently, Williams is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $57,000 bail.

Sheriff Shaun Golden praised the efforts of his officers in making the arrest. "I commend all of the officers for their exceptional police work," he said. "Any handgun taken off the streets helps keep our neighborhoods safer, but a defaced weapon, that is difficult to trace, makes this arrest even more significant."