By: Richard L. Smith
According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, a Neptune Township police officer has been charged with illegally accessing restricted law enforcement databases to obtain personal information about a woman and then uninvitedly visiting her residence.
Officials said Officer Joshua A. James, 29, faces a third-degree charge of Computer-Related Criminal Activity.
The allegations stem from an investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Professional Responsibility Unit.
Authorities revealed that earlier this month, while working a security detail outside a local elementary school, James allegedly noticed a woman picking up her child.
He is accused of retrieving her license plate information and residential address using two law enforcement databases designated exclusively for official police business.
Shortly thereafter, James reportedly visited the woman’s home, where he asked if she was single and requested her phone number.
The officer was arrested and formally charged earlier this week. In response to the allegations, the Neptune Township Police Department has suspended James from duty.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is urging anyone with additional information regarding James’s activities to come forward. Detective Ryan Mahony can be reached at 800-533-7443.
Monmouth County officials said the case stresses the serious consequences of misusing law enforcement tools, emphasizing the importance of protecting citizens' privacy and ensuring police accountability.