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Prosecutor: NJ Corrections Officer Smuggled Drugs, Cellphones Into Atlantic County Jail

A 25-year-old state corrections officer from South Jersey smuggled contraband into the Atlantic County Justice Facility, authorities said.

Luis A. Mercado

Luis A. Mercado

Photo Credit: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office

Luis A. Mercado of Galloway Township was charged with second-degree official misconduct after a joint investigation with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and the jail facility in Mays Landing, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said.

Mercado allegedly used his job as a correctional police officer to smuggle contraband -- including drugs and cellphones --."to further a criminal organization," Tyner said on Friday.

Mercado is suspended without pay. He was released after a detention hearing on Oct. 2, Tyner said.

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is urged to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and fill out the online form.

People also can call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com

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