NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A former New York City corrections officer was charged on Wednesday for being part of a scheme to smuggle narcotics into Rikers Island, prosecutors announced.
Ghislaine Barrientos, 37, was charged with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and false statements as part of the plot.
According to a complaint, Barrientos allegedly conspired with others to smuggle contraband, including cocaine, smokable synthetic cannabinoids known as K-2 and food to inmates housed at the Robert N. Davoren Complex on Rikers Island in exchange for thousands of dollars.
A couple of examples were highlighted in the court documents. For instance, on April 11, an associate of an inmate ("Inmate-1") and Barrientos allegedly discussed sending a package to Barrientos through a delivery service.
On April 15, surveillance footage captured Barrientos entering Inmate-1's cell, where her actions were not visible to the camera. Two days later, the Department of Corrections searched Inmate-1's cell and found sheets of paper that tested positive for cocaine.
Department of Corrections found sheets of paper that tested positive for cocaine.Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney
In a separate incident on April 24, the associate allegedly sent Barrientos another package using the delivery service. Later that day, while at work, a drug-detecting dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. DOC staff searched Barrientos's belongings and found about 10 sheets of paper that tested positive for K2, prosecutors said.
During an interview with law enforcement, Barrientos falsely claimed no inmate had ever asked her to bring contraband. Officers then searched her vehicle and found more sheets of paper and around $2,466 in cash.
"Rikers Island is less safe, for inmates and officers alike, when corrections officers and others in positions of public trust accept bribes to smuggle contraband," Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said.
