A former Long Branch police officer has admitted operating a methamphetamine lab at his home.

Christopher Walls, 50, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance and to causing a risk of widespread injury.

Under terms of a plea agreement with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Walls faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced in January. Walls must also forfeit his public office and his firearms.

Walls served 19 years on the Long Branch Police Department. He was suspended without pay following his arrest in May.

Authorities said the lab was discovered when police responded to a domestic disturbance call at Walls’ home in Long Branch and someone there told officers about it. A state police hazmat team responded and found equipment and substances commonly used to make meth in the home’s basement and in a shed on the property, authorities said, along with books about making the drug, explosives and poison.

Authorities also found an open, unsecured gun safe with two long guns, four handguns, eight high-capacity magazines and ammunition inside. Police said the safe was accessible to a child living in the home.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.