By: Richard L. Smith
A former senior correctional police officer at Northern State Prison has admitted accepting thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Newark facility.
According to information released by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, 33-year-old Christopher Santana of Hackensack pleaded guilty Tuesday, August 18, to second-degree conspiracy to commit bribery.
Santana entered the plea before Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin in Essex County.
Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, the state will recommend a three-year New Jersey State Prison sentence.
Santana also forfeited $4,500 in alleged bribe payments and any public employment. He will be permanently barred from holding public office or public employment in New Jersey.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 5.
The case developed from an investigation conducted by OPIA’s Corruption Bureau and the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division.
According to authorities, Santana arrived for a scheduled shift at Northern State Prison on June 10, 2025, when investigators noticed what appeared to be a large bulge beneath his clothing.
A subsequent search allegedly uncovered two vacuum-sealed bags containing tobacco and three bottles filled with an unidentified liquid.
Authorities said the items had been concealed underneath Santana’s protective vest and near his upper thigh.
Officials said Santana accepted payments in exchange for bringing contraband inside the prison, conduct authorities said jeopardized the safety and security of both correctional employees and incarcerated individuals.
The ensuing investigation revealed that between approximately May 2024 and June 2025, the defendant received thousands of dollars in bribes from associates of inmates incarcerated at Northern State Prison, in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility. 
In addition to cash, Santana also received payments via a personal mobile digital payment app in exchange for his introduction of contraband into the facility.
Santana was terminated from his position in July 2025.