Corrections Officer Admits Hiding Drugs In Potato Chip Bags, NJ Officials Say

SHAMONG TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Burlington County man who worked at a Central Jersey prison has pleaded guilty in connection with the distribution of narcotics to inmates in the jail, officials said.

Bryant Mack, 54, of Shamong Township pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance on Nov. 18, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Officials say Mack, who had been a corrections officer for 18 years, smuggled controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and other contraband into the facility, hidden in potato chip bags.

Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley entered an order forfeiting Mack’s job at the county jail and prohibiting him from holding public office again in New Jersey, as Patch reported.

“Mr. Mack violated his sworn duty to protect and serve when he brought contraband into the jail for his own personal gain. By doing so, he placed his fellow officers and other inmates at the jail in danger and justice requires that he take responsibility for his actions," Santiago said in a news statement from the prosecutor's office.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility and Bias Crime Bureau and the Monmouth County Correctional Institution Special Investigations Division began investigating Mack last September. Officers caught two inmates with drugs and other contraband and traced the items back to him, officials said.

The investigation revealed that Mack would provide the items to an inmate, who would then facilitate the distribution of the items throughout the jail.

During his plea, Mack admitted that he entered into an agreement with an inmate to bring controlled dangerous substances and other contraband into the jail in exchange for payment, and that he brought a schedule 1 controlled dangerous substance into the facility on Sept. 4, 2021.

Mack faces up to 5 years in prison when he is sentenced before O’Malley on April 21, 2023. Authorities did not specify which type of drug was provided.

"I commend my staff and our law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this complicated investigation. Mr. Mack’s conduct is not indicative of the honest, hard-working, law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to protect and serve our county,” Santiago said.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden also commented on the matter:

“All members of the law enforcement profession have a duty to exhibit at all times the highest level of professionalism with honor and integrity. Any conduct that does not meet that expectation will not be tolerated,” said Golden.

“I’m proud of the correctional police officers who tirelessly serve this agency. An officer who violates his or her oath of office does a grave disservice to their co-workers, as well as the entire law enforcement profession, and will be held fully accountable with proper disciplinary action taken,” Golden continued.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco,Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibility and Bias Crime Bureau, and Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Gilhooly.

Mack is represented by Frank Cioffi, Esq., of Clifton.

Patch's Pat McDaniel contributed to this report in Monmouth County.