Correctional Officer Among Three Charged in Contraband Smuggling Scheme

Prison-Jail-Cell
Prison-Jail-Cell

MAYS LANDING, NJ—A correctional officer and two others face charges following a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Christopher Piccioni, 33, of Swedesboro, NJ, a correctional officer, was charged on Monday with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct, fourth-degree tampering with evidence, and a petty disorderly persons offense for providing an inmate with contraband.

Accompanying charges were filed against Qydreia Smith, 40, of Mays Landing, NJ, and Dion Robinson, 39, an inmate from Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, both charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct.

The charges stem from a four-month investigation initiated in January 2024 after the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office received tips about contraband being smuggled into the facility. The investigation identified Piccioni conspiring with Smith and Robinson to introduce contraband into the jail multiple times in exchange for payments. Piccioni is also accused of tampering with evidence during the investigation.

The case is currently under review by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards and Accountability Unit.

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