Correctional Officer Among Three Charged in Contraband Smuggling Scheme

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.

Here’s what else is happening in New Jersey

• Judge rejects Bimbo Bakeries bid to overturn union arbitration win
  Newark, NJ – A federal judge has refused to vacate an arbitration award favoring Local 53 of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers Union, shutting down Bimbo Bakeries USA’s effort to undo the ruling tied to the firing
• New Jersey Democrats Taken to Court Over Deceptive South Jersey Ballot Design to Help Mikie Sherrill
  Trenton, NJ – The Republican National Committee, New Jersey Republican Party, and local GOP leaders are backing a lawsuit to block what they call an unlawful and deceptive ballot design for the upcoming general election in Gloucester County. Ballot format
• Brick Township police earn re-accreditation for fourth time
  Brick, N.J. – The Brick Township Police Department has once again secured state recognition for meeting top professional standards, receiving its fourth Certificate of Re-Accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Recognition of excellence The honor