MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) - Five sheriff’s officers in New Jersey on Wednesday admitted purchasing drugs for their own use and, in two cases, conspiring to distribute cocaine to fellow officers.
In pleading guilty to drug-related charges, four guards at the Morris County jail admitted they engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to purchase cocaine for their personal use. Two of them also admitted they participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine to other officers.
Another sheriff’s officer admitted he engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to purchase oxycodone pills for his own use.
Under terms of a plea agreement, prosecutors will seek probation with mandatory drug treatment for the defendants. They’ defendants also agreed to resign from their jobs and will be disqualified from future public employment.
Sheriff James Gannon said the investigation began following a tip from his crime stoppers program.
“I am proud of my team and we are stronger today for rooting out and removing those who would bring dishonor to our organization and our county,” Gannon said.
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