Essex County corrections officer charged with smuggling contraband into jail

NEWARK, NJ — A corrections officer has been charged with smuggling contraband at the Essex County Correctional Facility, located on Doremus Avenue in Newark, according to a March 19 press release from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Alray Blackmon Jr., 31, of Newark, has been charged with second-degree attempting to provide an electronic communication device to an inmate; third-degree possession with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoid; fourth-degree possession of synthetic cannabinoid; and the disorderly persons offense of attempting to provide synthetic cannabinoid and tobacco to an inmate. 

According to the ECPO, on March 18, members of the Criminal Intelligence Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau at the ECCF learned that Blackmon was bringing contraband to an inmate. Investigators ultimately found that Blackmon had in his possession suspected K2, a synthetic marijuana; one cellular phone; one charging wire; and a large amount of tobacco wrapped in clear plastic, according to the press release.

“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,” acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said.

The investigation, which is active and ongoing, is being conducted jointly by the ECPO Professional Standards Bureau and the ECCF Internal Affairs Unit. 

These are accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

  Essex County Correctional Facility, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office