Alden, N.Y. (WBEN) - A guard at the Erie County Correctional Facility in the Town of Alden is facing conspiracy charges for allegedly smuggling in contraband and giving it to an inmate.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office says the guard, 29-year-old Matthew Morano of Depew, provided the inmate, 31-year-old Luis Bonilla of Cheektowaga, with, what investigators believe was, tobacco and synthetic marijuana (K2). Bonilla allegedly would arrange for Morano to pickup the contraband from Bonilla's home address before bringing it to the facility.
Morano was placed on administrative leave before resigning. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Bonilla remains behind bars at the prison.
Morano's full list of charges includes second-degree promoting prison contraband, official misconduct and sixth-degree conspiracy.
Bonilla received the same contraband and conspiracy charge.
"Under my administration, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for this type of behavior," said Erie County Sheriff John Garcia in a statement. "Contraband in any form is a threat to the safety and security of the incarcerated population and my staff."