Corrections Officer, Inmate Smuggled Contraband Into Atlantic Co. Jail: Prosecutor

MAYS LANDING, NJ — Three people, including an Atlantic County corrections officer and an Atlantic County Justice Facility inmate, were charged in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the jail, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.

Corrections officer Christoper Picconi, 33, from Swedesboro, along with inmate Dion Robinson, 39, from Egg Harbor Township and Qydreia Smith, 40, from Mays Landing, were charged Monday after a four-month investigation, officials said.

In January of 2024, prosecutors learned that contraband was being smuggled into the jail in Mays Landing, officials said.

Piccioni was identified as the suspect, according to authorities. He was found to have conspired with Smith and Robinson to smuggle contraband into the jail on "multiple occasions" in exchange for payment, authorities said.

Authorities also said that Piccioni tampered with evidence during the investigation.

Piccioni was charged with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct, fourth-degree tampering with evidence, and a petty disorderly persons offense of providing an inmate other contraband.

Both Smith and Robinson were charged with second degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct.

This incident is currently being investigated by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Professional Standards and Accountability Unit.