TRENTON, NJ — A Northern State Prison corrections officer faces criminal charges for allegedly smuggling contraband into the facility, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced after a state grand jury’s decision.
Werner Gramajo, 46, of Newark, is charged with providing an inmate with various items such as cash, jewelry, eyeglasses, clothing, food, cologne, and stamps in exchange for cash bribes. A “true bill” was returned on all five counts of the indictment against Gramajo.
The OPIA’s Corruption Bureau investigation began when the NJ Department of Corrections discovered contraband on January 4, 2021. Subsequent investigations revealed a sustained contraband smuggling scheme by Gramajo, which began in December 2019 and lasted until January 2021, involving monthly payments.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized that while most corrections officers serve honorably, any involvement in illegal activity within correctional facilities will be prosecuted. OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher stated that such acts compromise institutional security.
Gramajo, who attempted to downplay his involvement through a “special custody report” with false statements, is alleged to have received $500 regularly for smuggling activities. The indictment follows a detailed probe linking the contraband to Gramajo, highlighting the ongoing enforcement against corruption within state prisons.