Brooklyn correctional officer pleads guilty to smuggling marijuana and cigarettes into federal jail
Prison fence. Grid fence with barbed wire against sunset. Barbed wire. Security measures for prisoners in prison.

Brooklyn correctional officer pleads guilty to smuggling marijuana and cigarettes into federal jail

Posted by
1 min read
July 20, 2025

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A former federal correctional officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC-Brooklyn) pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility, federal officials announced Tuesday.

Najee Jackson admitted in court to concealing vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana and cigarettes inside his Bureau of Prisons-issued protective vest in January 2025, while on duty at the Brooklyn facility. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Orelia E. Merchant.

Jackson now faces up to five years in federal prison for attempted provision of contraband in prison.

According to prosecutors, Jackson was caught attempting to bring the contraband into MDC-Brooklyn, violating federal law and institutional regulations.

“The defendant admitted to bringing contraband into the very jail he was charged with protecting,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “His actions undermined the safety and security of his fellow correctional officers and the inmates at MDC-Brooklyn.”

The investigation was led by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG).

“Those who betray the trust and jeopardize the safety of their fellow correctional officers and citizens will face consequences for doing so,” said DOJ-OIG Special Agent in Charge Ryan T. Geach.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Facebook

Don't Miss