Jail Officer Charged With Helping Inmates Smuggle Contraband Into NJ Facility

BRIDGETON, NJ — A Senior Correctional Police Officer and five others worked together to launder money and get contraband into the South Woods State Prison, the New Jersey Department of Corrections said.

Officer Kenneth Stinson, 39, of Penns Grove, Rashawn Bond, 49, of Leesburg, John Tracy, 50, of Glassboro, James Gallichio, 42, of Parlin, Desiree Tracy, 52, of Glassboro, and Melanie Posey, 53, of Conyers, Georgia, were all charged with third-degree money laundering and one count of introduction to contraband.

The group is made up of civilians and current and former inmates.

Detectives received information in September 2024 that a Senior Correctional Police Officer was being paid to allow contraband into the secured perimeter of the facility.

This was done over multiple transactions, the state said.

Stinson has been suspended as of March 25, 2025.

Patch has reached out to officials for more details regarding the contraband and is yet to hear back.

MORE FROM PATCH: Boy Sentenced After Trying To Kill NJ Police Officer, Assaulting 2 Others

HAVE A STORY IDEA OR NEWS TO SHARE? Contact Editor Eddie Callahan at edward.callahan@patch.com to connect with Patch in your area.