Suffolk County corrections officer Jason Middleton admitted in court Friday to sexually assaulting an inmate while on duty at the Riverhead Correctional Facility, pleading guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from what prosecutors described as a serious abuse of authority and public trust.
Middleton, 37, of Central Islip, pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and one count of Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced.
According to court documents and Middleton's admission during his guilty plea, the assaults occurred between June 5 and Aug. 14, 2023. Prosecutors said Middleton escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew was outside the view of security cameras. Once inside, he closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex.
Authorities also alleged Middleton had previously threatened to plant contraband in the inmate's cell if the inmate ever disobeyed him, warning that doing so would result in additional criminal charges.
"This defendant admitted to a profound abuse of authority and a violation of the public trust," Tierney said. "No one is above the law."
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. said the Sheriff's Office has "zero tolerance" for such conduct, calling Middleton's actions inexcusable and inconsistent with the integrity and professionalism demonstrated daily by corrections officers.
Middleton was arrested by members of the District Attorney's Public Corruption Squad on Nov. 24, 2023, and has remained suspended without pay since his arrest.
As part of the plea agreement, Middleton resigned from county employment effective immediately. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 25, 2026, and is expected to receive 1½ years in jail. He also will be required to register as a sex offender.