Nassau Prison Guard Smuggled Cigarettes To Inmates: DA

EAST MEADOW, NY — A corrections officer at the Nassau County jail was arrested today and charged with smuggling contraband into the facility in exchange for bribes.

Harris Ferro, 35, of Elmont, was arraigned on a 22-count indictment, which included five counts of third-degree bribe receiving, two counts of first-degree promoting prison contraband, five counts of second-degree promoting prison contraband, five counts of official misconduct and five counts of sixth-degree conspiracy. If convicted of the top charge, he could face up to seven years in prison.

“Officers who accept bribes and compromise the integrity of their position for personal financial gain threaten the safety of their fellow officers and undermine the county’s correction system,” said Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. “NCDA is committed to investigating and prosecuting contraband smuggling and holding individuals accountable for these crimes.”

Ferro had been a guard at the Nassau County Correctional Center since Aug. 15, 2014. According to Smith, between January and February 2021, Ferro smuggled cigarettes into the prison on five occasions and sold them to an inmate. Each time, a third party transferred the money to Ferro, Smith said. Ferro then would bring the cigarettes into the jail and sell them to an inmate for $100, Smith said. Two times, Smith said Ferro brought the inmate a disposable lighter.

Inmates in the county jail are not allowed to smoke or be in possession of cigarettes or lighters.

Ferro is due back in court on Sept. 24.