In a recent scandal, nearly a dozen jail guards in New York City, including a captain from Rikers Island, allegedly collected over $220,000 in salary and overtime for work they never performed, according to Bronx prosecutors. These officers now face criminal charges as part of an investigation unveiled on Wednesday.
The accused corrections officers reportedly filed timesheets throughout 2023, claiming they were working when they were not even present at the facility. Captain William Newlin, the highest-ranking officer among them, purportedly received over $50,000 alone, as detailed in a 93-count indictment.
Bronx Assistant District Attorney Christian Commelin stated in court that the officers, including Captain Newlin, allegedly submitted timesheets that falsely inflated the hours they worked.
“In fact, these documents suggested they were at work even on days when they were absent entirely,” Commelin elaborated.
Christopher Ryan, the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Investigation, who collaborated on the inquiry, highlighted that these alleged fraudulent activities occurred during a period of significant staffing challenges within the city’s Department of Corrections, when every available officer was crucial.
“This alleged misconduct not only cost taxpayers but also eroded public trust and jeopardized operational safety,” Ryan remarked in a statement.
He said the $228,000 total is “a conservative estimate” covering just one year.
In addition to Newlin, 51, prosecutors said 10 correction officers — Raymond Espino, 37, Jason Miller, 44, Raymond Lastra, 55, Odiney Brown, 54, Clifford Compton, 44, Odette Adams, 54, Jason Catalanotto, 43, Kenyatta Johnson, 59, Katrina Thomas, 45, and Katricia Chandler, 54 — allegedly put in for fraudulent pay totals ranging from $8,2412 to $30,800.
The indictment charges them with grand larceny, corruption and other charges.
Bronx DA Darcel Clarke called them “veteran civil servants who abused the public trust.”
Prosecutors did not say if the officers have been fired or suspended during the investigation, but sources told The Post that at least three had recently put in for retirement.
Nearly two dozen corrections officers packed the courtroom to support their colleagues. All 11 officers pleaded not guilty and were released without bail. They are due back in court Aug. 14.
