July 24, 2026
FROM THE STATE PRISON GUARD UNION, NYSCOPBA: Correction officers recovered two makeshift weapons and a concealed cell phone during a search of a dormitory after an inmate who had been assaulted by multiple attackers disclosed the location of contraband hidden in the dorm where he was housed.
On Sunday, July 19, a sergeant conducting routine security rounds in one of the facility’s dormitories was notified by the desk officer that an inmate wanted to speak with him. During the interview, the inmate stated that he had been attacked by multiple inmates and punched several times in the face. The inmate had visible facial injuries and was escorted by staff to the facility infirmary for evaluation.
While being escorted, the inmate informed staff that he had hidden contraband in the dormitory bathroom and in his assigned living area.
Staff immediately searched both locations. An ice pick-type homemade weapon was recovered from a hole in the wall behind the shower area in the bathroom. A search of the inmate’s living quarters uncovered a metal shank hidden beneath his bed. Officers also searched the inmate’s locker and discovered an altered set of headphones concealing a small cell phone inside one of the earpieces. All of the contraband was secured and placed into evidence.
The inmate was treated at the facility infirmary before being transported to an outside hospital for treatment of a laceration to his face. Medical staff determined the wound was consistent with being inflicted by a weapon.
The 25-year-old inmate faces internal disciplinary charges . He is currently serving a four-year state prison sentence following his 2024 conviction in New York County for Attempted Robbery in the First Degree.
“This incident is another reminder that correction officers are working in an environment where homemade weapons and contraband are an everyday threat. Fortunately, this inmate disclosed the location of these dangerous items before they could be used to seriously injure another inmate or an officer. The recovery of two weapons and a concealed cell phone underscores the constant vigilance of our members and the critical importance of routine security searches. Every homemade weapon recovered is one less weapon that can be used in an assault, and every illicit cell phone seized helps disrupt criminal activity occurring both inside our facilities and in our communities. Our officers continue to perform this dangerous work every day despite the significant risks they face.” stated — Bryan Hluska , NYSCOPBA Central Region Vice President
