A Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office corrections police officer who worked at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) has pleaded guilty to providing a cell phone to an inmate, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Monday.  

The officer, Latonya C. Johnson, 52, of Piscataway, pleaded guilty to second-degree knowingly providing an electronic communication device to an inmate.  

An investigation led by the MCPO Professional Responsibility & Bias Crime Bureau, assisted by the MCCI Investigations Division, revealed that Johnson brought the cell phone into the jail sometime between May and October of 2022, when she and the inmate were engaged in a romantic relationship, in order to be able to communicate with him more frequently.

Upon entering her plea, Johnson permanently forfeited the right to seek future public employment in New Jersey.  Upon sentencing, set for Jan. 12, 2024, Johnson is expected to be serve a term of three years in state prison.    

Johnson was served the charge against her in January of 2023.  

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

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