Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment of Jason Middleton, a 35-year-old corrections officer from Central Islip. Middleton faces charges of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree and Official Misconduct. The allegations involve forcing an inmate to perform sex acts at the Riverhead Correctional Facility while on duty.

"Today we announce that the grand jury has returned an indictment against a corrections officer employed at the Riverhead Correctional Facility on charges related to alleged misconduct with an inmate," stated District Attorney Tierney. "This indictment is the result of a thorough investigation conducted by my office in partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. We take allegations of misconduct by those in positions of authority seriously, especially when they involve vulnerable individuals in custody, and we are committed to pursuing justice and respecting the rights of all parties involved."

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., expressed his office's stance: "The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has zero tolerance for the alleged actions of this employee. We will continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office for any further assistance needed with this case. The allegations against this officer are in no way a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, who serve with honor every day."

The investigation revealed that between April 26, 2023, and September 29, 2023, Middleton allegedly escorted an inmate into a security camera blind spot within the facility. There, he reportedly coerced the inmate into performing oral sex under threat of planting contraband to incriminate him further.

Middleton was arrested on November 24, 2023, by members of the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad and has been suspended without pay since then.

On October 11, 2024, Middleton was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis on charges including Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree and Official Misconduct. Justice Wilutis ordered supervised release for Middleton as proceedings continue.