A 25-year-old Atlantic Justice Facility Corrections Officer is charged with second-degree Official Misconduct following a joint investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Atlantic County Justice Facility (ACJF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
Officials say, over a period of several months the joint investigation determined that Luis A. Mercado of Galloway Township used his position as a corrections officer at the ACJF to smuggle contraband, which included narcotics and cell phones, into the Atlantic County Justice Facility and used his position therein to further a criminal organization.
According to officials, a detention hearing was held on October 2, and at that time Mercado was released.
Officials say Mercado is suspended without pay.