“We shouldn’t have to remind public servants that accepting bribes while conducting illegal activity could constitute a federal crime, but when necessary, that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
Nine current and former New York City Department of Correction workers were arrested Wednesday on charges alleging they took cash bribes to smuggle items
Federal Prosecutors Charge NYC Jail Staff For Smuggling In Weapons And Drugs
arrow A security fence surrounds inmate housing on Rikers Island Bebeto Matthews/AP/Shutterstock
Nine current and former New York City Department of Correction employees were arrested today for allegedly smuggling contraband, including razor blades, scalpels, and illegal drugs, into city jails in exchange for cash at various periods over the last three years. One counselor at Rikers allegedly made more than $40,000 from the illegal deliveries. Most of the others are accused of taking between $5,000 and $8,000 in bribes. According to newly unsealed indictments, brought by federal prosecutors with the Southern District of New York, all nine employees currently work or previously worked at Rikers Island and the Manhattan Detention Complex, colloquially referred to as “The Tombs.”
Authorities alleged that one defendant pocketed over $40,000 in bribes between June 2019 and September 2020.
Department of Investigation Commissioner Margaret Garnett said the documents describing how guards and other employees, the majority working at the Rikers Island jail complex, were engaging in contraband smuggling and bribery “reflect the pernicious and damaging impact of corruption.”
“Correction officers and staff should protect the integrity of the jails, not promote lawlessness and violence by accepting bribes in return for trafficking drugs, scalpels, razor blades, cell phones, and other contraband all highly valued, illegal items that undermine order in the jails and compromise the safety of other correction officers and inmates,” Garnett said.