Recent reports reveal that yet another prison guard in Brooklyn has been arrested after being accused of smuggling contraband into prisons throughout New York, and he’s also been accused of accepting bribes from inmates, too.

On April 18, 32-year-old Brooklyn native Quandelle Joseph was taken into police custody. Reports reveal that he’s been working for the Bureau of Prisons since May of 2020. Throughout his career, he reportedly received tens of thousands of dollars in bribes. He accepted this money with the caveat that he’d smuggle various types of contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park.

Joseph reportedly worked with at least two different inmates, accepting bribes for various substances like cigarettes, cell phones, and narcotic drugs. During one such exchange, Joseph reportedly entered into a unit during the Covid lockdown phase in order to place contraband into an inmate’s cell. Later, a different police guard could smell the odor of marijuana and decided to search the inmate’s cell. Before the guard could locate the contraband, the inmate reportedly flushed it down the toilet.

In a separate ordeal, Joseph was discovered contacting an inmate’s associate who was not imprisoned. Joseph was allegedly demanding a payment of over $12,000. To add to the suspicious nature of Joseph’s behavior, Joseph was also caught using a “burner” phone to warn inmates about upcoming contraband searches.

In March, a different correctional guard at the same facility, Jeremy Monk, pleaded guilty to receiving bribes and smuggling contraband to inmates.

If convicted, Joseph could spend up to 15 years behind bars himself.

Prison Contraband: What is it and How is it a Crime?

As you’d imagine, prisons and jails are highly controlled environments. Since inmates have usually been convicted (or at least accused) of committing crimes, they aren’t granted access to things like weapons, certain controlled substances, and devices that can help inmates communicate with individuals outside of jail.

All of these items are considered contraband. Contraband is defined as anything that an incarcerated person isn’t allowed to possess. Prison rules dictate what items are considered contraband, but in general, there are two categories: dangerous and general contraband.

Dangerous contraband can be described as anything that could endanger other inmates or prison guards. This includes any type of item that could be used as a weapon or as a means of escape. Some drugs are also considered dangerous contraband, especially when they’re provided in large amounts. When drugs get sold in prison, violence often breaks out as a result.

The consequences of smuggling contraband into a prison or jail in New York are serious. If you’re convicted of promoting non-dangerous contraband, then you could get convicted of a misdemeanor. Promoting any type of dangerous contraband, however, will be considered a felony offense, which comes with life-long consequences.

If you’re facing a similar charge, then you’re legally entitled to representation. Our office invites you to schedule a consultation with our attorneys to discuss your charges in more detail with one of our representatives. Together, we’ll help you formulate a defense strategy to fight your charges.