A former senior correctional officer at Northern State Prison in Newark has pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into the facility for an inmate in exchange for cash, according to an announcement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
Werner Gramajo, 48, of Newark, admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit official misconduct (2nd degree) before Judge Carolyn E. Wright in New Jersey Superior Court in Essex County. Under a plea agreement with OPIA, prosecutors will recommend that Gramajo serve 364 days in Essex County jail followed by probation for a period to be determined by the court. He will also forfeit approximately $6,000 earned through the scheme and lose his public position permanently, with a lifetime ban on holding public office or employment in New Jersey. Sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2025.
Attorney General Platkin said, “The defendant misused his position of trust, authority, and access to this facility in order to unlawfully enrich himself. Corruption within correctional institutions cannot be tolerated. It compromises facilities’ security and puts inmates and the vast majority of law-abiding officers working there at heightened risk.”
OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner added, “Any law enforcement officer who betrays their oath and duties in exchange for illicit payments betrays all law enforcement and the public and will be prosecuted. The defendant will rightly no longer be in public service or in public safety in this State.”
The investigation began after the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division found evidence of contraband being smuggled within an officer-controlled area at Northern State Prison. OPIA’s Corruption Bureau determined that Gramajo was involved in a months-long arrangement where he supplied an inmate with various items including cash, jewelry, eyeglasses, clothing, food items such as cold cuts, cologne, and stamps. Gramajo admitted during his plea hearing that he received $500 per month over several months for providing these goods.
The prosecution was handled by Deputy Attorneys General Randolph Mershon and Adam Gerken under the supervision of Corruption Bureau Deputy Chief Laura Croce; Bureau Co-Directors Jeffrey J. Manis and Eric Gibson; and OPIA Executive Director Skinner.
Gramajo was represented by defense attorney Robert Cannan of Bloomfield.
