Two New York Metropolis correction officers are accused of smuggling contraband to gang members at Rikers Island Correctional Amenities, the Division of Justice introduced Tuesday. 4 different individuals, together with two then-inmates on the facility, have additionally been charged for his or her alleged roles within the operation.
In response to a felony criticism, inmate Michael Ross organized for Ashley Medina and Imani Matthews to ship greater than $30,000 on his behalf to correction officer Katrina Patterson in alternate for contraband. The New York Metropolis Division of Corrections stated narcotics and cell telephones had been situated in Ross' cell on the Robert N. Davoren Heart on Rikers Island. In addition they had surveillance video exhibiting Patterson delivering unauthorized objects to Ross.
In textual content messages reviewed by legislation enforcement, Matthews advised Patterson that a number of the contraband would come with "4 black joints in 1 paper." Patterson responded: "It higher be wrapped so many occasions I do not need to scent it." The 2 additionally mentioned the "have to delete their textual content messages," the DOJ stated.
Patterson, Medina and Matthews had been arrested Tuesday, in line with the Justice Division. Ross was already in custody and can seem in court docket at a later date.
In one other criticism, officer Krystle Burrell allegedly accepted round $9,780 from inmate Terrae Hinds to smuggle contraband into the Anna M. Kross Heart on Rikers Island. Burrell allegedly introduced in no less than two unauthorized cell telephones for Hinds, and likewise is accused of facilitating the inmate's sale of different contraband objects on the jail, together with narcotics.
Burrell and Hinds had been additionally taken into custody on Tuesday, the Justice Division stated.
All six defendants are charged with "conspiring to bribe correction officers employed by the New York Metropolis Division of Corrections (DOC) as a part of contraband smuggling conspiracies." They every withstand 5 years in jail if convicted.
Ricky J. Patel, New York's appearing particular agent in cost at Homeland Safety Investigations, stated Burrell and Patterson's alleged actions have "introduced disgrace and shame to New York's Boldest."
"The small print within the criticism allege that each officers overtly betrayed their oath to behave with integrity and professionalism to create a secure setting in correctional amenities," Patel stated in a press release Tuesday. "Their actions tarnish the good fame of the women and men who placed on the uniform of a New York Metropolis Correction Officer and threat their lives each day."
Rikers Island, situated in New York Metropolis's East River, has been criticized by lawmakers for having inhumane situations. It's also infamous for its lack of oversight and frequent violence. The complicated is slated to shut by 2027, however, within the meantime, authorities are working to enhance its fame.
"The move of contraband into our jails is a significant issue which places inmates, fellow officers and doubtlessly the general public in danger," stated U.S. Lawyer Breon Peace. "We are going to proceed to root out corruption at Rikers Island and work to guard incarcerated people and correction officers in our jails."