Evergreen Reporter

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has announced charges against 25 individuals in connection with a series of criminal activities at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC-Brooklyn) in Brooklyn. The cases involve violent assaults and contraband smuggling within the facility.

Among those charged are 15 inmates accused of assaulting fellow detainees, a former correctional officer allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband, and an MS-13 gang associate involved in a contraband operation. These incidents reportedly occurred between May 2024 and March 2025.

United States Attorney John J. Durham emphasized the importance of maintaining safety within federal detention facilities. "As alleged, in several separate charging instruments, inmates viciously attacked fellow detainees, a correctional officer betrayed his duty by attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility," he stated. Durham expressed commitment to holding accountable those who disrupt order within MDC-Brooklyn.

FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies highlighted the disregard for rules that protect inmates and staff, stating, "These cases reflect the alleged extreme disregard for adhering to the rules designed to protect the other inmates and correctional staff within the institution."

Federal Bureau of Prisons Associate Deputy Director Kathleen Toomey acknowledged collaboration with law enforcement agencies: “Through our unified efforts we are making our facilities safer for our employees and those in our custody.”

A detailed summary of each case was provided, including charges related to assault, conspiracy to smuggle contraband, possession of weapons, fraud schemes while detained, and attempts to introduce prohibited items into MDC-Brooklyn.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.