Mercer County Correctional Officer Indicted for Alleged Bribery and Smuggling Contraband

Grand Jury Charges Officer with Multiple Counts After Investigation Reveals Alleged Exchange of Bribes for Illicit Items in Prison.

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) has announced the indictment of a Mercer County Correctional Officer for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into a correctional facility. Tyree L. Hobbs, 39, of Hamilton, faces serious charges following a state grand jury decision.

Hobbs, employed by the Mercer County Department of Corrections since February 2017, allegedly began his criminal activities approximately 10 months into his tenure. The indictment, which includes official misconduct charges, was issued last month by New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury. It's important to note that these charges are accusations, and Hobbs is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation, led by OPIA, found that Hobbs allegedly took bribes from inmates between November 2017 and July 2022. He was suspended without pay in July 2022 following the allegations.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin commented on the case, stating, “As alleged, the defendant put personal profit ahead of his duty to protect inmates, his fellow officers, and the public.” Platkin emphasized the commitment to holding individuals accountable for violating public trust.

Thomas Eicher, Executive Director of OPIA, noted the gravity of the allegations, pointing out that smuggling contraband into a correctional facility endangers both officers and residents and is a serious violation of trust.

The indictment details that Hobbs allegedly accepted bribes ranging from $300 to $2,500 for each delivery of contraband, which included narcotics and tobacco products. These transactions were reportedly made either in cash or via mobile money-transfer apps.

Hobbs’ alleged actions are said to have contravened state regulations and policies of the Mercer County Department of Corrections, which strictly prohibit contraband and bar personal relationships or exchanges between officers and inmates.

The charges against Hobbs include:

• Official misconduct (2nd degree)
• Pattern of official misconduct (2nd degree)
• Bribery in official and political matters (2nd degree)
• Acceptance or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public servant (2nd degree)

Each second-degree charge carries a potential sentence of five to ten years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis under the supervision of Corruption Bureau Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, and OPIA Director Eicher.

For further information on the case, please contact the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.