A 22-year-old inmate from the Bronx, Leury Mojica, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for his involvement in violent incidents at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, including the assault of a federal correction officer and an attempt to murder a fellow inmate. According to an announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, the sentencing occurred after Mojica pleaded guilty and admitted his role in the crimes.
During his arraignment in February 2022 in connection with multiple robberies, Mojica was detained at MDC-Brooklyn where the attack took place on February 28, 2023, he along with five other inmates attempted to kill an inmate in a knife attack which Mojica admitted to restraining the victim, while another stabbed him leading to the victim sustaining several serious injuries. Subsequently, Mojica struck a correction officer in an unprovoked assault on August 24, 2024, when the officer inquired if he wanted fruit with his breakfast, resulting in a contusion to the officer's face, the office of United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. disclosed the sentencing and outlined the severity of the offenses.
United States Attorney Nocella conveyed the gravity of Mojica's actions in a statement, "Today’s sentence makes clear that there are serious consequences for inmates who endanger the safety and security of the Metropolitan Detention Center by committing acts of violence against correction officers and other inmates," and emphasized the impact this would have on deterring future violent conduct within the prison system. This statement of intent to maintain order and consequences for violations was echoed by FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia, who said, "Mojica’s combative streak recklessly endangered the lives of other inmates and correction officers. May today’s sentencing deter any detainee from grossly violating law and order in our federal detention centers through violent misconduct," according to the official press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman and federal authorities, including the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, were thanked for their collaboration in the investigation that resulted in Mojica’s sentencing for the violent acts he committed during his detention.
