The Division develops cases for criminal prosecution, civil action, and administrative action. During this reporting period, the Investigations Division received 3,567 complaints - the most ever received in any reporting period. The investigation determined that the correctional officers accepted bribes in exchange for smuggling drugs, food, and other contraband into the prison. OIG undercover special agents posed as inmate family members and organized crime associates, met with corrupt correctional officers, and paid them bribes. To date, four correctional officers, four civilians, and one inmate have pled guilty.
Judicial proceedings continue for the other defendants.
During this reporting period, the adjudications officer pled guilty and was sentenced to over five years' incarceration and three years' probation. Four coconspirators pled guilty, and a fifth coconspirator remains a fugitive. In the Eastern District of New York, an INS immigration inspector assigned to the John F. Kennedy International Airport was arrested on charges of providing altered U.S. passports and other identity documents to illegal aliens. These documents allow illegal aliens to enter the United States undetected. The inspector was suspended from INS and awaits trial.