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Jason Middleton, age 35, of Central Islip, was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury on Friday, Oct. 11, stemming from an alleged incident at the county jail in Riverhead.
An investigation found that between April and September 2023, Middleton escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells where he knew was hidden from security camera view.
Once in the camera’s blind spot, Middleton ordered the inmate to perform oral sex on him and the inmate complied, according to prosecutors.
Prior to the alleged assault, Middleton had threatened that if the inmate ever disobeyed him, he would plant contraband in the victim’s cell that would likely earn them additional criminal charges, prosecutors said.
Middleton was arrested by members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad in November 2023. In court Friday, he was indicted for criminal sexual act and official misconduct.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. said his agency was fully cooperating with the district attorney’s office.
“The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has zero tolerance for the alleged actions of this employee,” Toulon said. “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.”
Middleton has been suspended without pay since his arrest. Following the grandy jury indictment, he was placed on supervised release while his case proceeds.
He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
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