A Central Islip resident who worked as a Suffolk County corrections officer pleaded guilty to forcing an inmate to perform oral sex acts in the Riverhead Correctional Facility while he was on duty.
Between June 5, 2023, and August 14, 2023, while Jason Middleton was working as a corrections officer in the Riverhead Correctional Facility and tasked with guarding inmates, he escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew to be a blind spot in security camera coverage.
Once inside, he closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex upon him, and the inmate complied. Prior to the commission of the sexual assault, Middleton had allegedly previously threatened the inmate that if the inmate ever disobeyed him, he would plant contraband in the inmate’s cell that would result in additional criminal charges filed against the inmate.
On November 24, 2023, members of the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad arrested Middleton. He has been suspended by the Sheriff’s Office without pay since his arrest.
On June 26, 2026, Middleton pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis.
“This defendant admitted to a profound abuse of authority and a violation of the public trust by pleading guilty to sexually assaulting an individual in his custody,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “As a corrections officer, he was entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the safety and constitutional rights of those under his supervision. Instead, he exploited that position of power for personal gratification. No one is above the law. When public officials violate their oath, they will be investigated, prosecuted, and held responsible.”
“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office takes the responsibility of the care of individuals in our custody very seriously and we have zero tolerance for this type of conduct,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “The crimes committed by this officer are inexcusable and are absolutely inconsistent with the standards, integrity, and professionalism demonstrated every day by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office.”
Middleton is due back in court for sentencing on August 25, 2026, and is expected to be sentenced to one year and six months in jail, and he will have to register as a sex offender. As a condition of his plea, Middleton resigned from county employment effective immediately.