A former correction officer accused of bringing cocaine and heroin into Cayuga Correctional Facility has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges tied to an alleged drug smuggling operation inside the Moravia prison.
Gregory Gorman, 30, of Moravia, appeared Friday in Cayuga County Court for the first time since his March arrest, entering a not guilty plea to a seven-count indictment before Judge Steve Buschman.
He pleaded not guilty to three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of first-degree promoting prison contraband, and one count of official misconduct.
Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci told the court the charges are not bail-qualifying offenses under New York law, allowing Gorman to remain free while the case proceeds. She said the prosecution is prepared for trial, though discussions between the two sides are ongoing.
Both prosecutors and defense counsel declined further comment following the court appearance.
The charges stem from a joint investigation by New York State Police and the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigations.
Investigators said Gorman was screened by a narcotics detection dog when he reported for duty at Cayuga Correctional Facility around 6:54 a.m. March 27. After the dog alerted to the presence of drugs, authorities searched Gorman and allegedly discovered 28.2 grams of cocaine and 10.3 grams of heroin packaged in roughly 50 paper sleeves.
Police said an additional 0.4 grams of cocaine was later found inside his vehicle. State police said the drugs were intended to be smuggled into the prison.
Gorman had worked for DOCCS since April 2018. He resigned from the department following his arrest.
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