A Cape May County correctional officer was terminated after failing a random drug test and admitting he took Adderall obtained from a friend, according to disciplinary records released by the state.
Several Cape May County Sheriff’s Office correctional officers faced major disciplinary action during 2025, including one officer who was fired after testing positive for controlled substances and another suspended following a security lapse that preceded an inmate altercation.
The disciplinary actions were disclosed in New Jersey’s annual major discipline reporting system.
Officer terminated after failed drug screening
Correctional Police Officer Robert O’Donnell was terminated following a random drug screening that returned positive results for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
According to disciplinary records, O’Donnell did not disclose any medications on his medication declaration form before the test.
Investigators said he later provided a photograph of a prescription bottle that had been issued after the date of the drug test.
“Officer O’Donnell was chosen for Random Drug Screening. His test came back positive for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine,” the report states.
When asked to provide proof of a valid prescription that predated the screening, O’Donnell reportedly told Internal Affairs investigators he could not do so.
“O’Donnell informed IA that he does not have either one and he took Adderall that he received from a friend,” the disciplinary report states.
The department sustained a charge of failed drug screening, resulting in his termination.
Security failures led to inmate altercation
Correctional Police Officer Joseph Will received a nine-day suspension after investigators determined he failed to properly secure housing unit cells while assigned to Housing Unit 3.
According to disciplinary records, multiple cell doors were left open, allowing two inmates access to an unauthorized cell.
“Officer Will allowed multiple cell doors to remain open, which allowed two inmates to enter an unassigned cell,” the report states.
Less than five minutes after leaving the cell, the same inmates became involved in a physical altercation in the housing unit dayroom.
Investigators determined the incident represented a serious safety and security violation.
“This is not Officer Will’s first offense of this nature,” the disciplinary report states.
Officer suspended after inmate injury allegation
Correctional Police Officer Khoury Causey received a six-day suspension following an incident in Housing Unit 2B on April 9, 2025.
According to the report, surveillance video showed Causey throwing toilet paper toward a shower curtain while an inmate was showering.
The inmate later reported suffering a back injury after falling.
The department sustained a neglect of duty charge against Causey.
Hospital detail resulted in disciplinary action
Correctional Police Officer Erin McPherson was disciplined after failing to properly complete required security documentation while guarding an inmate at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional.
According to investigators, McPherson did not timely and accurately complete a required hospital security log.
The violation resulted in a monetary penalty and a sustained neglect of duty charge.
State report details major discipline
The disciplinary cases were included in New Jersey’s annual major discipline report, which requires law enforcement and correctional agencies to publicly disclose serious disciplinary actions imposed on employees.
Cape May County correctional officers work 12-hour shifts, meaning suspensions are measured by workdays rather than traditional eight-hour shifts.
Key Points
• Cape May County Correctional Officer Robert O’Donnell was terminated after testing positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine and admitting he took Adderall from a friend.
• Officer Joseph Will received a nine-day suspension after leaving cell doors open, allowing inmates access to an unauthorized cell before an altercation occurred.
• Additional disciplinary actions involved an inmate injury allegation and failures to complete required inmate security documentation.
