'Profound Abuse Of Authority': Suffolk Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty After Sexually Assaulting Inmate: DA

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Suffolk County corrections officer pleaded guilty after forcing an inmate to perform oral sex acts while he was on duty at the Riverhead Correctional Facility, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Jason Middleton, 37, of Central Islip, has been suspended since his arrest in November, 2023, Tierney said.

Middleton pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual act, Tierney said.

According to court documents and the defendant’s admission during his guilty plea allocution, on a date between June 5, 2023, and August 14, 2023, while Middleton was working as a corrections officer in the Riverhead Correctional Facility and tasked with guarding inmates, he escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew to be a blind spot in security camera coverage.

Once inside, he closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex upon him, and the inmate complied, Tierney said.

Prior to the commission of the sexual assault, Middleton had reportedly previously threatened the inmate that if the inmate ever disobeyed him, he would plant contraband in the inmate’s cell that would result in additional criminal charges filed against the inmate, the DA said.

On November 24, 2023, members of the district attorney’s public corruption squad arrested Middleton; he has been suspended by the Sheriff’s Office without pay since his arrest, Tierney said.

On June 26, Middleton pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual act, a Class E felony, and official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Wilutis, Tierney said.

Middleton is due back in court for sentencing on August 25, and is expected to be sentenced to one year and six months in jail; he will also have to register as a sex offender, the DA said.

As a condition of his plea, Middleton resigned from county employment effective immediately, Tierney said.

He is being represented by James Pascarella, who was not immediately available for comment.

"This defendant admitted to a profound abuse of authority and a violation of the public trust by pleading guilty to sexually assaulting an individual in his custody," said Tierney. "As a corrections officer, he was entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the safety and constitutional rights of those under his supervision. Instead, he exploited that position of power for personal gratification. No one is above the law. When public officials violate their oath, they will be investigated, prosecuted, and held responsible."

"The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office takes the responsibility of the care of individuals in our custody very seriously and we have zero tolerance for this type of conduct,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr. "The crimes committed by this officer are inexcusable and are absolutely inconsistent with the standards, integrity, and professionalism demonstrated every day by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office."