In a shocking turn of events, a Suffolk County correctional officer has been arrested and charged with third-degree criminal sexual act and official misconduct. The accused, 35-year-old Jason Middleton from Central Islip, New York, allegedly forced an inmate to perform a sexual act while threatening severe consequences if the inmate refused.

According to the district attorney's office, Middleton violated his oath as a corrections officer and took advantage of the individual he was entrusted to protect. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney expressed his outrage, stating, "Hard-working corrections officers play an essential role in our criminal justice system and are entrusted with the care and safety of incarcerated individuals. My office will not tolerate any abuse of that trust."

The investigation revealed that Middleton had been working as a correctional officer at a facility in Riverhead, New York, between April 26 and September 29, 2023. During this time, Middleton allegedly took advantage of a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew was a blind spot for security cameras. Once inside this secluded area, he reportedly shut the door and demanded that the inmate perform oral sex. Fearing the consequences of disobedience, the inmate complied with Middleton's disturbing demands.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Middleton had threatened the inmate beforehand, claiming that he would plant contraband in the inmate's cell if he ever defied him. Such an act would likely lead to additional charges being filed against the victim, further victimizing an already vulnerable individual.

Middleton's arrest was carried out by Tierney's Public Corruption Squad on Friday, and he was expected to be arraigned in Southampton Town Justice Court. However, due to the nature of the offenses, he is not eligible for bail and will likely be placed on supervised release.

The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office expressed its shock and disgust at Middleton's actions, emphasizing that they do not tolerate such behavior. Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. said, "Make no mistake, this is no reflection of the men and women of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office who work hard day after day and take their oath of duty seriously."

This disheartening incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding integrity within the criminal justice system and protecting the rights and well-being of all individuals, including those who are incarcerated.