BROOKLYN, NY – Krystle Burrell, a former New York City correction officer, received a 29-month imprisonment sentence today in Brooklyn federal court for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island and accepting bribes. United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto delivered the sentence. Burrell had been working at Rikers Island, employed by the New York City Department of Corrections.
The announcement was made by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, alongside officials from Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Department of Investigation, and New York City Police Department.
Burrell was convicted of receiving nearly $10,000 in bribes for smuggling cell phones and facilitating drug transactions in the jail. Her actions compromised the safety of inmates and fellow officers. United States Attorney Peace emphasized the gravity of public corruption, especially when it affects city jail security.
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber underscored the role of correction officers in maintaining order and safety in jails, stating that Burrell’s actions endangered those she was meant to protect. Her sentence serves as a warning against such misuse of authority.
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban highlighted the role of correction officers as public servants. He condemned Burrell’s blatant abuse of her position, contrasting her actions with those of most officers who honor their oaths.
Court documents revealed that Burrell accepted bribes from co-conspirators, including Terrae Hinds, to smuggle contraband into the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island. While on bail for bribery charges, Burrell continued her illegal activities, leading to additional charges for smuggling contraband into the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. She has also pleaded guilty to these charges.
Terrae Hinds, who bribed Burrell, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.