LI Correction Officer Forces Inmate To Perform Sex Act: DA

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Suffolk County Corrections officer was indicted Friday after he forced an inmate to perform a sex act at the Riverhead correctional facility while he was on duty, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Jason Middleton, 35, of Central Islip, was indicted on charges including third-degree criminal sexual act and official misconduct, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, on a date between April 26, 2023, and September 29, 2023, while Middleton was working as a corrections officer in the Suffolk County Correctional facility in Riverhead and tasked with guarding inmates, he reportedly 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, the DA said.

Prior to the commission of the reported sexual assault, Middleton had 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, Tierney said.

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

On October 11, Middleton was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis; Justice Wilutis ordered Middleton placed on supervised release during the pendency of the case, Tierney said.

Middleton is due back in court on November 25 and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count, the DA said.

He is being represented by James Pascarella, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"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," Tierney said. "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."

"The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has zero tolerance for the alleged actions of this employee," said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. "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."