Violence and Dysfunction Plague Brooklyn Federal Jail
Nine Inmates Charged in Connection with Attacks
Criminal charges unsealed Monday offer a fresh window into violence and dysfunction that has plagued the Brooklyn federal jail where Sean "Diddy" Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried are locked up.
In all, federal prosecutors charged nine inmates in connection with a spate of attacks from April to August at the Metropolitan Detention Center, the only federal jail in New York City. The charges come amid a push by the Justice Department and Bureau of Prisons to fix problems at the jail and hold perpetrators accountable.
Murder Charges Filed
Andrew Simpson and Devone Thomas were charged with murder in a federal detention facility for allegedly stabbing inmate Uriel Whyte to death on June 7. Jamaul Aziz, James Bazemore, and Alberto Santiago were charged with premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder within a federal detention facility in the July 17 killing of inmate Edwin Cordero. Makeshift weapons were used in both attacks, prosecutors said.
Non-Fatal Assaults
Four other inmates were charged in non-fatal assaults. One was charged with assaulting a federal officer for allegedly punching a correctional officer in the face in August after the officer offered him breakfast. Two others were charged in the icepick attack a few days later.
Correctional Officer Charged
Also Monday, a correctional officer assigned to monitor the jail’s perimeter was charged with a civil rights violation for shooting at a BMW sedan with his Bureau of Prisons-issued gun in September 2023 after pursuing the vehicle through the streets of Brooklyn in a government-owned Dodge Caravan. The BMW had three bullet holes in its rear exterior and a person inside was wounded, Peace said.
Bureau of Prisons’ Efforts
The Bureau of Prisons says it is working to remedy problems at the Brooklyn jail, where detainees, advocates, and judges have routinely complained about "dangerous, barbaric conditions," including rampant violence. Combs’ lawyers filed an appeal Monday seeking to have him released from the troubled jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
A group of senior Bureau of Prisons officials known as the Urgent Action Team is focusing on bringing the Brooklyn jail back to adequate staffing levels and ensuring it is in good repair. They have made repeated visits to the facility and meet weekly to address issues at the jail.
Conclusion
The violence and dysfunction at the Brooklyn federal jail are a serious concern and a reminder of the need for the Bureau of Prisons to prioritize the safety and well-being of inmates and staff.
FAQs
Q: What is the Metropolitan Detention Center?
A: The Metropolitan Detention Center is the only federal jail in New York City, located in Brooklyn.
Q: Who is charged with murder in connection with the attacks?
A: Andrew Simpson and Devone Thomas are charged with murder in connection with the June 7 stabbing death of inmate Uriel Whyte. Jamaul Aziz, James Bazemore, and Alberto Santiago are charged with premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder within a federal detention facility in connection with the July 17 killing of inmate Edwin Cordero.
Q: What is the Bureau of Prisons doing to address the problems at the Brooklyn jail?
A: The Bureau of Prisons is working to remedy problems at the Brooklyn jail, including increasing staffing levels and ensuring the facility is in good repair.
