A corrections officer at the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold was charged this week with attempting to sell prescription painkillers to a an inmate he was supposed to be guarding.
Todd Messinger, 40 of East Brunswick, was arrested while still wearing his uniform at the Monmouth County Jail on Tuesday after he allegedly received the drugs to pass on to the inmate, whose identity is unclear at this time. The painkillers involved are believed to have been Roxycodone.
Messinger worked at the jail for nine years before being suspended without pay this week. The former Monmouth County Sheriff's Officer has been charged with conspiracy, official misconduct, and possession of a weapon while committing a drug offense. He was allegedly still carrying his firearm while attempting to deliver the drugs to the inmate. He was released after posting $560,000 bail.
It is unclear what was going through Messinger's head when he decided to throw away a nine-year career with good pay, overtime, state benefits and pension in order to sell drugs to an inmate he was supposed to be guarding. If convicted, his pension will likely be forfeited and he could face up to 10 years in prison.
If you have been charged with official misconduct, illegal possession of a firearm, or a drug offense, contact a Freehold criminal lawyer for a free consultation.
