A Central Islip man who used to work as a Suffolk County correction officer was sentenced to one year and six months in jail after pleading guilty to forcing an inmate to perform oral sex inside the Riverhead Correctional Facility while he was on duty.
Beginning in 2019, Jason Middleton worked as a correction officer in the Riverhead Correctional Facility and was tasked with guarding the inmates. Between June 5, 2023, and August 14, 2023, Middleton escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew to be a blind spot in security camera coverage. Once at the location, he closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex on him. The inmate complied.
On November 24, 2023, members of the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad arrested Middleton. He was then suspended without pay by the Sheriff’s Office.
On June 26, 2026, Middleton, 37, 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. He resigned from his position as part of the plea.
On August 25, 2026, Middleton was sentenced to one year and six months in jail and registered sex offender status.
“The vast majority of correction officers uphold their duties with the honesty and professionalism our justice system depends on. This defendant took advantage of the trust placed with him to commit an outrageous abuse of power and a serious crime,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office will continue to prosecute such cases vigorously to safeguard the public’s trust. Thank you to the Sheriff’s office for their assistance in our investigation.”