A 41-year-old corrections officer today admitted accepting a bribe in exchange for smuggling contraband to an inmate at the Essex County Correctional Facility, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
John Grosso of Belleville, admitted accepting the bribe in December 2013 from an inmate, also a relative, at the Essex County jail in exchange for smuggling a cell phone and cigarettes, authorities said.
Grosso pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit extortion under color of official right.
Grosso faces a maximum penalty of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and must forfeit the received bribe.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 19.