New York prosecutors have brought to light the illicit activities of corrupt officers who have been smuggling prohibited items into a notorious prison in the city.
Federal prosecutors have unveiled that two New York city correction officers, also known as prison guards, were involved in smuggling contraband cellphones and drugs to Bloods gang members at Rikers Island in exchange for substantial sums of money in bribes.
The accused individuals, Krystle Burrell (35) and Katrina Patterson (31), were apprehended on April 5 following separate operations at different Rikers jails, as disclosed by the FBI.
During the period from October 2020 to March 2021, prosecutors stated that Patterson meticulously orchestrated the smuggling of contraband and received over $30,000 from Imani Matthews (25) and Ashley Medina (24), who are the girlfriends of a prisoner named Michael Ross, held at Rikers Island on criminal weapon possession charges.
In one instance, Patterson smuggled “4 black joints in 1 paper” to Ross and emphasized to Matthews the need for careful packaging to avoid detection, as per prosecutors’ statements.
On November 10, 2020, authorities found nearly 50 grams of marijuana and a contraband cell phone in Ross’ cell at the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers. Following this discovery, Ross was placed in solitary confinement, while Patterson was in a state of panic.
Patterson messaged Medina, expressing urgency and concern over the situation, inquiring about the fate of the phone and urging a meeting.
Just 15 days after the discovery in Ross’ cell, Patterson indicated her willingness to resume smuggling contraband, as stated by prosecutors.
Corresponding with Matthews, she expressed readiness to engage in illicit activities again. The transactions involving Matthews and Medina were facilitated through a money receiving app called CashApp, and Patterson was captured on video smuggling bags suspected to contain narcotics to inmates linked with Ross, according to federal authorities.
Meanwhile, the other officer, Burrell, was implicated in smuggling for Terrae Hinds, another member of the Bloods gang. Burrell, a veteran of the Department of Correction, allegedly smuggled two cellphones for Hinds, one of which was her own. Additionally, Burrell has been accused of aiding Hinds in distributing narcotics during his incarceration at the Anna M. Kross Center.
Imani Matthews, Ashley Medina, Michael Ross, and Terrae Hinds have also been charged with bribery conspiracy in connection with the case. All six defendants could face up to five years in prison.
In response to the allegations, New York City Correction Commissioner Louis Molina condemned the actions of Patterson and Burrell, highlighting the illegal nature of smuggling contraband and its detrimental impact on the security within the facilities.
Molina affirmed that if the accused officers are found guilty, they will be terminated from their positions and will no longer be entrusted with their badge numbers.
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