Ex-NJ Corrections Officer Sentenced For Smuggling
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A longtime corrections officer at Trenton State Prison who smuggled in cell phones and other contraband to inmates will now be behind bars himself.
Sterling Duckett of Sicklerville was sentenced Friday to a 5-year prison term and ordered to forfeit his job. But as part of his plea deal with the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, he will be immediately eligible to seek parole.
The 46-year-old Duckett had been a corrections officer for 14 years when he was indicted in 2010. He initially faced charges of official misconduct, bribery and smuggling for bringing items such as cell phones, drugs and escape tools into the maximum-security facility.
Duckett had no previous criminal record. His attorney said he had a lapse of judgment and was "manipulated" by the inmates.
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