DRUG CHARGES FOR EX-CORRECTIONAL FACILITY WORKER

A former correctional facility employee who continued serving as a
religious services volunteer following her layoff faces narcotics charges
for allegedly selling drugs to inmates.

Law enforcement officials arrested Syretta Johnson of Somerset on April 10
after she made an alleged drug transaction involving cocaine and heroin at
the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility.

Johnson, 20, lost her job as a temporary employee in the facility's food
service department but officials said she continued visits on a regular basis.

But officials suspected Johnson had other motives.

The Special Investigations Division of the New Jersey Department of
Corrections contacted the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, and a joint
investigation was launched.

Chris Carden, DOC public information officer, refused to comment on the
investigation, but according to a source a sting operation was set up
resulting in the arrest of Johnson during a drug transaction at a Trenton
fast food restaurant.

Johnson was charged with eight drug offenses.

Officials estimated the street value of the narcotics to be almost $3,000.
Corrections officials said the drugs were worth triple that amount in prison.

"I commend the partners for their efforts in this joint operation," said
NJCOC commissioner Devon Brown.

Johnson's bail was set at $15,000. Since more than two ounces of cocaine
was recovered the incident has been classified as a second-degree crime.

If convicted, the amount of cocaine recovered could land Johnson a prison term.

Brown called the operation a success.

"The outstanding units worked well together," said Brown, "which is a big
reason the operation produced positive results."