Quantcast

Former officer charged with smuggling contraband into Brooklyn detention center

LEGAL NEWSLINE

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Former officer charged with smuggling contraband into Brooklyn detention center

Attorneys & Judges
Webp 9kp9lgtvac680x52vl89qqgz0tiv

Carolyn Pokorny Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

A former federal correctional officer, Najee Jackson, has been charged with attempting to smuggle contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The complaint was unsealed earlier today in a federal court in Brooklyn. Jackson, who was arrested this morning, is scheduled for an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.

The arrest was announced by John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG).

“As alleged, Najee Jackson violated his duty and abused his position of trust as a correctional officer by attempting to smuggle contraband into the very institution he was sworn to protect,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “The smuggling of contraband into a jail endangers correctional officers and inmates. Disrupting corruption in any form at MDC-Brooklyn will continue to be a priority of my Office, working in tandem with our federal law enforcement partners.”

“Jackson’s alleged attempt to smuggle contraband into the Brooklyn prison compromised the safety and security of the institution,” stated DOJ-OIG Geach. “The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General is committed to bringing to justice any Federal Bureau of Prisons employee who abuses their authority and attempts to smuggle illegal contraband into federal prisons.”

According to the complaint, Jackson began working as a correctional officer at MDC-Brooklyn in November 2023. On January 21, 2025, he arrived at the facility around 12:15 a.m. for a night shift. Before entering MDC-Brooklyn, staff must pass through a screening area that includes a metal detector and x-ray machine conveyor belt for personal belongings. After setting off the metal detector alarm multiple times, Jackson removed his protective vest issued by the Bureau of Prisons. The vest contained vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, cigarettes, two lighters, and rolling papers. Two days later, Jackson resigned from his position.

The charges are allegations; Jackson is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Russell Noble from the Public Integrity Section.

NAJEE JACKSON

Age: 32

Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y Docket No.: 25-MJ-18 (VMS)

More News