Jordan Alston, a 28-year-old Brooklyn resident, was found guilty in federal court of possessing a makeshift knife while incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). The conviction followed a three-day trial before United States Second Circuit Judge Denny Chin. Alston faces up to five years in prison when sentenced.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Division.
“It is clear from the defendant’s conviction for possessing this weapon that he is a danger to the community at large as well as inside a correctional institution,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s verdict holds him accountable for his lack of respect for the law.”
“Today’s conviction highlights our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable — wherever they may be,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller. “Possessing weapons in custody threatens the safety of staff, inmates, and the justice system. ATF New York will continue working with our partners at EDNY USAO to protect our communities at every level.”
According to court records, on May 31, 2025, while Alston was detained pending trial on an unrelated charge for which he was later acquitted, a Bureau of Prisons correctional officer conducted a pat-down search after noticing Alston appeared to be hiding something in his waistband. The officer discovered an 8-inch-long makeshift knife concealed in Alston’s pants.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Tara B. McGrath from the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section with support from Paralegal Specialist Amara Padilla.
Alston is also known by the alias “Skiito.” His case was filed under E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-510 (DC).
