SUFFOLK COUNTY CORRECTIONS OFFICER INDICTED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING AN INMATE

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jason Middleton, 35, a Suffolk County corrections officer, of Central Islip, was indicted for Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree and Official Misconduct for allegedly forcing an inmate to perform sex acts in the Riverhead Correctional Facility while he was on duty.

“Today we announce that the grand jury has returned an indictment against a corrections officer employed at the Riverhead Correctional Facility on charges related to alleged misconduct with an inmate,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This indictment is the result of a thorough investigation conducted by my office in partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. We take allegations of misconduct by those in positions of authority seriously, especially when they involve vulnerable individuals in custody, and we are committed to pursuing justice and respecting the rights of all parties involved.”

“The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has zero tolerance for the alleged actions of this employee,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “We will continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office for any further assistance needed with this case.  The allegations against this officer are in no way a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, who serve with honor every day.”

According to the investigation, on a date between April 26, 2023, and September 29, 2023, while Middleton was working as a corrections officer in the Riverhead Correctional Facility and tasked with guarding inmates, he allegedly escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew to be a blind spot in security camera coverage. Once inside, he allegedly closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex upon him, and the inmate complied. Prior to the commission of the alleged sexual assault, Middleton had allegedly previously threatened the inmate that if the inmate ever disobeyed him, he would plant contraband in the inmate’s cell that would result in additional criminal charges filed against the inmate.

On November 24, 2023, members of the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad arrested Middleton. He has been suspended without pay since his arrest.

On October 11, 2024, Middleton was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis for Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Wilutis ordered Middleton placed on supervised release during the pendency of the case.

Middleton is due back in court on November 25, 2024, and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by James Pascarella, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Laura de Oliveira and Bureau Chief Kevin Ward of the Public Corruption Bureau.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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