By: Richard L. Smith
Federal authorities have charged five people, including a current and former Fort Dix corrections officer, in an alleged scheme that brought knives, drugs, cell phones and other contraband into the federal prison.
Cameron Paige, 43, Ian Dennis, 32, Eden Germain, 27, Joe Lee McQuay, 48, and Keith Navarro Palmer, 41, are accused of participating in the operation, according to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal prosecutors said Paige is a Fort Dix corrections officer, while Dennis previously worked as an officer at the facility.
The two allegedly worked with inmates McQuay and Navarro Palmer, along with associates outside the prison, to get prohibited items past security and into the facility.
Authorities allege the scheme operated from May 2025 through May 2026 and involved knives, marijuana, tobacco, cell phones, vapes, chargers, tool kits and a tattoo kit that were intended for sale to inmates.
Prosecutors said one of the knives allegedly brought into Fort Dix was later used by McQuay to stab another inmate during a dispute over money.
More than $100,000 was allegedly transferred among members of the conspiracy through Zelle, Apple Pay, Cash App and Venmo.
Dennis allegedly played a significant role in the operation because his duties at times included screening employees entering Fort Dix and running their belongings through a metal detector.
Prosecutors allege Dennis and Paige received bribes and kickbacks in exchange for helping the contraband bypass the prison’s screening procedures.
In August 2025, members of the alleged conspiracy reportedly discussed bringing 20 cell phones, eight charging blocks, eight ounces of THC wax and 10 vapes into the facility.
Dennis, of Philadelphia, Paige, of Cinnaminson, and Germain, of Delran, appeared in federal court on September 16 and were released on bail.
McQuay and Navarro Palmer are already serving federal prison sentences and are expected to make their initial court appearances at a later date.
All five defendants face a charge of conspiracy to provide contraband in prison. Dennis and Paige also face bribery-related charges.
The bribery charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison, while the contraband conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years.