Family of man who overdosed in N.J. prison alleges ‘pervasive’ drug smuggling behind bars

The family of a man who fatally overdosed in East Jersey State Prison has sued the state for wrongful death, saying officials “routinely turn a blind eye” to drug smuggling behind bars and thereby create dangerous living conditions for people who struggle with addiction.

Michael Cassella, 40, of Howell, died of acute fentanyl toxicity on Aug. 18, 2022, at the state prison in Rahway, according to a lawsuit filed last week in state Superior Court in Union County.

Cassella had...