NJ Corrections Officer Tried Smuggling Cell Phone For Bribe: Feds

SALEM COUNTY – A Salem County Correctional Facility correctional officer admitted attempting to smuggle a cell phone into jail for a prisoner in exchange for a bribe earlier this year, federal officials said.

Marcus Kidd, 36, of Elmer, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court on Tuesday to one count of attempted extortion under color of official right, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

Kidd agreed with a federal pretrial detainee at Salem County Correctional Facility in May to smuggle a phone into the jail and hand off the cell phone to the detainee for a $5,000 bribe, court documents show.

Kidd met with an associate of the detainee at a parking lot in Elmer and accepted the $5,000 in cash and a cell phone, federal officials said.

The count of attempted extortion under color of official right carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger thanked special agents with FBI, Philadelphia Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire, and Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.