On March 21st, 32-year-old Jeremy Monk, a former federal corrections officer, pleaded guilty to bringing illegal contraband to inmates in a Brooklyn detention center in exchange for money.

Court records reveal that Jeremy Monk admitted to violating his duty as a federal corrections officer. He confessed to receiving bribes with the intent of smuggling contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center. While Monk admitted to smuggling contraband into the detention center on multiple occasions, only one occasion is confirmed.

Back in December of 2020, staff members at the detention center believed they smelled marijuana in an incarcerated inmate’s cell, which prompted a search. The search did not reveal any marijuana, but they did discover a cell phone in the cell. Upon further investigation, the staff members discovered that the inmate’s “romantic partner” was making several payments to Jeremy Monk. These payments ranged from $750 to $4,000.

An investigation was launched, but Monk continued to work for the same detention center for years. By April 15, 2022, staff members discovered that Monk was paid $10,000 from inmates in exchange for some contraband.

The inmates agreed to leave the money in a staff restroom. Investigators watched, and they observed Monk entering into the staff restroom. The next staff member to enter the bathroom found that the money was missing and there were more than nine ounces of marijuana hidden on a shelf.

As a result of this, Monk resigned from his position three days later. Shortly later, he was arrested.

Illegal Contraband in Prison

As you can imagine, there are many reasons why certain things are prohibited from entering into a prison or detention center. Illegal drugs, weapons, tattoo equipment, alcohol, and communication devices are all barred. Why? These objects can all cause an increase in violence and injuries in a detention center. Some items may seem a bit less dangerous, like tattoo equipment, but it’s important to also consider that many of these objects can also serve as currency in jail. They can be used to signify gang allegiance, too.

Monk could potentially face up to 15 years in prison as a result of smuggling contraband.

If you’ve ever been accused of smuggling contraband into a jail while visiting an inmate, then it’s crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You can also face charges if you’re an inmate who gets caught possessing contraband.

If you need more legal guidance, schedule a consultation with our attorneys now.