Longtime Worker At Upstate NY Jail Charged In Smuggling Ring

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a longtime employee at an upstate New York jail, six inmates and six civilians have been charged with smuggling contraband into the correctional facility.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple Sr. announced Sunday that Sgt. Merlin Thomas Jr. of Albany was also charged with bribery.

Apple says the 48-year-old Thomas would meet friends and relatives of inmates in the parking of lot of the jail, located in suburban Colonie (kah-luh-NEE'). Officials say Thomas would bring packages with tobacco, cellphones, marijuana and homemade knives into the jail in exchange for cash.

Apple says the inmates then used the cellphones to "order" what they wanted their contacts to bring to Thomas, who has worked at the jail for 18 years.

Thomas was released after posting $50,000 bail. It couldn't be determined if he has a lawyer.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]