Former Correctional Officer Charged with Smuggling Contraband into Brooklyn Federal Jail

 

Defendant Allegedly Attempted to Provide Nearly 10 Ounces of Marijuana to Inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center

 A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Jeremy Monk, a former correctional officer employed by the United States Bureau of Prisons (BOP), with attempting to provide contraband to prison inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn.  Monk was arrested this morning, and his initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.

“As alleged, the defendant violated his oath and duty as a correctional officer by smuggling narcotics into the Metropolitan Detention Center,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, are committed to maintaining the safety for incarcerated individuals and BOP employees, and will prosecute those who act as conduits for contraband into a correctional facility.” 

“Monk allegedly smuggled drugs into the prison, creating a dangerous environment for his fellow correctional officers, inmates, and the public.  The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to investigate and uncover these kinds of bribery schemes,” stated DOJ-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Geach.

“As alleged, Mr. Monk put both his fellow corrections officers and the Metropolitan Detention Center’s inmate population at risk by engaging in a scheme to smuggle contraband, including illegal drugs, into the facility. As law enforcement officials, we all take an oath to uphold the law and protect our nation. Mr. Monk chose to violate that oath, and he will now face justice for the crimes we allege he committed,” FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Driscoll.

As alleged in the complaint, Monk worked as a correctional officer at the MDC from May 2020 until he resigned on April 18, 2022.  Three days before he resigned, on April 15, 2022, MDC staff learned that Monk was supposed to be paid $10,000 by inmates to smuggle contraband, specifically drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, into the MDC and leave it in a staff restroom.  That afternoon, Monk went to the staff restroom consistent with the information MDC staff received.  After Monk left the restroom, MDC staff secured and searched the location and found more than nine ounces of marijuana hidden on a shelf under cleaning materials. Prior to reporting to work on April 18, 2022, Monk called the MDC’s Human Resources department and stated that he wanted to immediately resign. When asked why he was resigning, the defendant stated, in sum and substance, because of “some stupid investigation.”

As alleged, Monk had also smuggled contraband into the MDC on prior occasions.  On December 5, 2020, the MDC staff members conducted a search of the cell of an incarcerated individual (Inmate-1) due to the odor of marijuana coming from his cell.  Although no marijuana was found, the MDC staff recovered a cellular telephone, which is also contraband in a correctional facility.  Financial records show that three days before the MDC staff recovered the cellular telephone, an associate of Inmate‑1 attempted to pay Monk for smuggling the contraband via Cash App seven times in amounts ranging from $750 to $4,000. All seven transactions were blocked by Cash App. 

The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Monk faces a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.