Former Rikers CO pleads guilty to smuggling drugs into jails

Simon Gordon, 24, agreed to accept bribes in exchange for smuggling the contraband into one of the jails on Rikers. Eagle file photo by David Brand.

By Jonathan Sperling

A former Department of Correction officer who was employed at a jail on Rikers Island pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday after being arrested for smuggling in contraband, including marijuana, in exchange for bribes. 

Simon Gordon, 24, agreed to accept bribes in exchange for smuggling the contraband into one of the jails on Rikers between January and July 2018. Department of Investigation officials found out about the operation after monitoring a telephone call between Gordon’s co-conspirators on July 29, 2018.

The investigators overheard a discussion about a cash payment made to Gordon in exchange for smuggling contraband into the jail. One co-conspirator told the other that Gordon was given two $2,000, and that one of the co-conspirators had six packages of drugs for Gordon to carry.

On July 30, 2018, Gordon was searched as he came into work and found to have a package containing marijuana concealed in the crotch of his pants. The package was coated with clear nail polish in order to mask the smell of marijuana.

When sentenced, Gordon faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

“Gordon betrayed the trust placed in him as a correction officer when he accepted bribes to smuggle contraband into Rikers Island, jeopardizing the safety and security of the correctional facility,” said United States Attorney Richard Donoghue in a statement. “This Office is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Gordon who corrupt our correctional institutions.”