A former federal correctional officer has been charged with trying to bring contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a facility typically tasked with holding back the very vices he allegedly tried to introduce. Najee Jackson, the ex-correctional officer, faced a complaint unsealed in federal court this week that accuses him of stashing marijuana and cigarettes inside his government-issued protective vest. Caught in the act during an early morning shift check-in last Saturday, Jackson failed to clear the metal detector which ultimately led to the discovery of the items.
The details of his arrest were brought to light by United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John J. Durham, and Ryan T. Geach, the Special Agent in Charge, Department of Justice, 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," Durham stated, underscoring the gravity of the betrayal. The alleged smuggling could have brought heightened danger to the jail, a concern for both staff and inmates alike, with officials remaining vigilant against these acts.
According to the announcement, Jackson commenced his tenure as a correctional officer in November 2023. His downfall came during routine security screening, a process designed to uphold the facility's integrity, that all staff must undergo before entry. What should have been an innocuous walk through a metal detector led to multiple failed attempts for Jackson, climaxing with the removal of his vest which contained the contraband.
Two days subsequent to the incident, Jackson resigned from the Bureau of Prisons. The charges Jackson faces are mere allegations at this juncture, and he maintains the right to a presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. A conviction could land him a maximum sentence of five years behind bars, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Russell Noble is handling the case, part of efforts to root out corruption in federal institutions and safeguard their fortes against misconduct. "Jackson's alleged attempt to smuggle contraband into the Brooklyn prison compromised the safety and security of the institution," DOJ-OIG Geach stated, a sentiment affirming the Department's commitment to prosecute employees who abuse their power.
