By: Richard L. Smith
Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability announced that a state grand jury has indicted a senior correctional police officer accused of smuggling contraband into Northern State Prison in exchange for payment.
Authorities said Christopher Santana, 33, of Hackensack, was indicted on May 26, 2026.
Prosecutors allege Santana accepted monetary bribes between May 2024 and June 2025 from individuals acting on behalf of inmates in exchange for bringing contraband into the Newark prison facility.
According to publicly filed court documents, law enforcement officers observed a large bulge under Santana’s clothing when he arrived for work on June 10, 2025.
Investigators allegedly discovered two vacuum-sealed bags containing tobacco and three bottles of an unknown liquid concealed beneath his protective vest and near his upper thigh area.
Investigators further alleged Santana had been receiving illicit payments from associates of inmates beginning in May 2024.
“The New Jersey Department of Corrections is committed to safe and secure facility operations and the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” said DOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn.
“Employees who allegedly abuse their positions and compromise facility security through contraband smuggling or any other criminal conduct will be investigated by the Special Investigations Division and held accountable.”
The indictment charges Santana with:
- Second-degree conspiracy
- Second-degree bribery in official and political matters
- Second-degree acceptance or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public servant for official behavior
- Second-degree official misconduct
Authorities said second-degree offenses in New Jersey carry potential penalties of five to 10 years in state prison and fines of up to $150,000.