Earlier today, a federal court in Brooklyn unsealed a complaint charging former federal correctional officer Najee Jackson with attempting to smuggle contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (MDC-Brooklyn). Jackson was arrested and 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 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 became a correctional officer at MDC-Brooklyn in November 2023. On January 21, 2025, he arrived at the jail around 12:15 a.m. for a night shift. Before entering MDC-Brooklyn, staff members are required to pass through screening that includes a metal detector and an x-ray machine conveyor belt for personal belongings. Jackson triggered the alarm while passing through these checks multiple times until removing his protective vest issued by the Bureau of Prisons revealed vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana, cigarettes, two lighters, and rolling papers. He resigned from his position two days later.
The charges against Jackson are allegations; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, he faces up to five years' imprisonment.
Assistant United States Attorney Russell Noble from the Public Integrity Section is handling this case.
