LI Corrections Officer Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Inmate: DA

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Suffolk County corrections officer was arrested after he was accused of engaging in the sexual assault of an inmate, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Jason Middleton, 35, of Central Islip was arrested and charged with third-degree criminal sexual act and official misconduct after reportedly forcing an inmate to perform oral sex, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, on a date between April 26 and September 29, while
Middleton was working as a corrections officer in the Suffolk County correctional facility in Riverhead and tasked with guarding inmates, he reportedly 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 inside, he closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex upon him, and the inmate complied, Tierney said. Middleton had previously threatened the inmate that if the inmate ever disobeyed him, he would plant contraband in the inmate’s cell that would likely result in additional criminal charges filed, Tierney said.

On November 24, Middleton was arrested by members of the District Attorney’s public corruption squad and is expected to be arraigned Saturday in Southampton Town Justice Court on charges of third-degree criminal sexual act, a felony, and official misconduct, a misdemeanor, Tierney said.

Middleton is expected to be placed on supervised release, as the offenses are not bail eligible under current New York State law, Tierney aid.

"This defendant is alleged to have violated his oath and preyed upon an individual whom he was sworn to protect," said Tierney. "Hard-working corrections officers play an essential role in our criminal justice system and are entrusted with the care and safety of incarcerated individuals. My office will not tolerate any abuse of that trust. I thank the Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation."

"I am shocked and disgusted by the acts of this correction officer and this is something we have absolutely no tolerance for," said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon. "Make no mistake, this is no reflection of the men and women of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, who work hard day after day and take their oath of duty seriously."