Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that a corrections officer has been charged with smuggling contraband at the Essex County Correctional Facility, located on Doremus Avenue in Newark.
Officials said Mr. Alray Blackmon, Jr., 31, of Newark has been charged with 2nd Deg. Attempting to Provide an Electronic Communication Device to an Inmate, 3rd Deg. Possession with Intent to Distribute Synthetic Cannabinoid, 4th Deg. Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoid, and the Disorderly Persons Offense of Attempting to Provide Synthetic Cannabinoid and Tobacco to an Inmate.
According to officials, on Thursday, members of the Criminal Intelligence Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau at the Essex County Correctional Facility learned that Officer Blackmon was bringing contraband to an inmate.
Investigators ultimately found that Officer Blackmon had in his possession suspected K2, one cellular phone, one charging wire, and a large amount of tobacco wrapped in clear plastic.
“The Defendant’s actions in this case not only endangered the safety of the inmates entrusted to his care, but also of his fellow corrections officers,” said Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II.
The investigation, which is active and ongoing, is being conducted jointly by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Bureau and the Essex County Correctional Facility Internal Affairs Unit.
Blackmon was charged by warrant and is currently being housed at the Hudson County Correctional Facility. His next court appearance is on March 24, 2021.