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Newark Officer Charged for Smuggling Contraband into Northern State Prison
Senior Correctional Officer Faces Serious Charges After Grand Jury Indictment for Alleged Bribery and Smuggling Scheme
A state grand jury has indicted Werner Gramajo, a senior correctional officer, on multiple charges for reportedly smuggling contraband to an inmate at Northern State Prison in exchange for bribes.
In a significant crackdown on corruption within the state's correctional system, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), has announced the indictment of Werner Gramajo, 46, of Newark. Following thorough deliberations, a state grand jury charged Gramajo with a five-count indictment, including conspiracy and official misconduct, after he was allegedly caught smuggling various items into Northern State Prison for monetary gain.
The case against Gramajo commenced when the New Jersey Department of Corrections' Special Investigation Division uncovered evidence of contraband within a secure area of the prison on January 4, 2021.
Subsequent investigations by OPIA's Corruption Bureau revealed that Gramajo had been running a contraband smuggling operation from December 2019 to January 2021, supplying an inmate with items ranging from cash and jewelry to cologne and cold cuts in exchange for $500 monthly payments.
“Corrections officers are public servants and the majority of them honor their oaths and serve as examples to their community, as well as those under their care,” said Attorney General Platkin. “But when anyone supervising and overseeing a correctional facility is also engaged in a conspiracy with an inmate, facilitating and participating in illegal activity, they will be detected and prosecuted.”
OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the grand jury's determination that Gramajo compromised his duty as a public servant.
“Bringing contraband into a correctional institution undermines the security of the institution, threatening the corrections officers and the residents,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.
Despite Gramajo's attempt to minimize his involvement through a falsified "special custody report," the investigation has led to serious charges that could result in a substantial prison term and fines if he is convicted.
The alleged contraband smuggling and bribery actions are a severe breach of trust and a violation of state law, highlighted by the second-degree charges that carry potential sentences of five to ten years and fines up to $150,000.
Prosecution of the case is being managed by Deputy Attorneys General Samantha Thoma and Rbrey Singleton, under the guidance of senior OPIA officials, ensuring that the case is presented with the utmost diligence.
While the charges are severe, it is crucial to remember that they are accusations, and Gramajo's presumption of innocence remains until proven otherwise in a court of law. The community of Morristown and the broader state of New Jersey are reminded of the justice system's commitment to fairness and the upholding of public trust.
