Former corrections officer admits taking bribes for contraband

NEWARK, NJ - A former corrections officer has admitted smuggling drugs and other contraband to inmates at a federal prison in return for cash bribes.

Paul Wright pleaded guilty Thursday to a bribery charge. The 34-year-old Berlin man now faces up to 15 years in prison when he’s sentenced Feb. 27, and he also will forfeit $50,000 he received through the scheme.

Federal prosecutors have said Wright received the drugs and cash in 2015 from people outside the Fort Dix federal prison who had ties to separate inmates. He smuggled in tobacco, synthetic marijuana and suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid addiction.

Prosecutors have said Wright used some of the cash he received to gamble in Atlantic City. He had worked at the prison form 2014 through 2018.