Ex-Suffolk Correction Officer Sentenced After Sexually Assaulting Inmate: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A former Suffolk County correction officer was sentenced after sexually assaulting an inmate, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Jason Middleton, 37, of Central Islip, was sentenced to one year and six months in jail after pleading guilty in June to third-degree criminal sexual act, Tierney said.

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Middleton, a former Suffolk County correction officer, forced an inmate to perform oral sex inside the Riverhead Correctional Facility while he was on duty, the DA said.

According to court documents and Middleton's admission during his guilty plea allocution, beginning in 2019, Middleton worked as a correction officer in the Riverhead Correctional Facility and was tasked with guarding inmates.

Between June 5, 2023, and August 14, 2023, Middleton escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew to be a blind spot in security camera coverage, Tierney said. Once at the location, he closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex on him, the DA said.

The inmate complied, Tierney said. Prior to the commission of the reported sexual assault, Middleton had previously threatened the inmate that if the inmate ever disobeyed him, he would plant contraband in the inmate's cell that would result in additional criminal charges filed against the inmate, Tierney has previously said.

On November 24, 2023, members of the District Attorney's public corruption squad arrested Middleton; he was then suspended without pay by the Sheriff's Office, the DA said.

On June 26, Middleton pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual act, a Class E felony, and official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Wilutis, Tierney said.

He resigned from county employment as part of the plea, the DA said.

On Tuesday, Middleton was sentenced to one year and six months in jail, with a registered sex offender status, the DA said.

He was represented by James Pascarella, who was not immediately available for comment.

"The vast majority of correction officers uphold their duties with the honesty and professionalism our justice system depends on," Tierney said. "This defendant took advantage of the trust placed with him to commit an outrageous abuse of power and a serious crime. My office will continue to prosecute such cases vigorously to safeguard the public's trust. Thank you to the Sheriff's office for their assistance to our investigation."