MDC correctional officer accused of taking bribes from inmates to smuggle in contraband
Melissa Brooks, 37, of Brooklyn, was arrested and indicted on Wednesday for allegedly carrying out the smuggling scheme which prosecutors say began at around the time she started at MDC in July 2024 and continued through Dec. 2025.
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A correctional officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn is accused of taking bribes from inmates to smuggle contraband into MDC, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Melissa Brooks, 37, of Brooklyn, was arrested and indicted on Wednesday for allegedly carrying out the smuggling scheme, which prosecutors say began around the time she started at MDC in July 2024 and continued through December 2025.
Prosecutors allege that in one instance on Oct. 18, 2024, an inmate paid Brooks $5,000 to smuggle in contraband. Investigators say that inmate used a contraband cellphone to text Brooks about the transaction.
Prosecutors say in the text exchange between Brooks and the inmate, Brooks acknowledged the potential consequences of her actions.
Brooks allegedly sent three laughing face emojis to the inmate and said, "These mf are trying to throw my ass in jail baby.”
"As alleged, the defendant betrayed her duty as a correctional officer, endangering the safety of MDC staff and inmates, all to satisfy her own greed,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr.
Brooks is charged with taking bribes as a public official and conspiracy to take bribes as a public official.
"Our Office is committed to rooting out corruption at all levels of government and will hold the defendant accountable for her actions," Nocella stated.
Brooks faces up to 15 years behind bars if convicted.
MDC, located in Sunset Park, has made headlines for years for rampant contraband, violence and poor conditions.
Multiple well-known names have been held at the jail, from Oscar Belgal, who was shot by ICE in the Bronx earlier this month, to former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Just days ago, Belgal's legal counsel released a statement about his time at MDC. They claim he went without food for at least four days after the shooting - while being held in solitary confinement with a bullet lodged in his neck.
News 12 reached out to MDC for a statement on the claims made by Belgal's attorneys and has not heard back.
