A correctional officer at Brooklyn’s MDC, known for housing high-profile inmates, is accused of repeated sexual abuse backed by DNA on the inmate’s jumpsuit
A federal correctional officer accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a male inmate inside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, widely known as MDC, was released on a $100,000 bond Wednesday after his arraignment in federal court. Prosecutors outlined disturbing allegations backed by DNA evidence.
James Johnson, 36, was charged in a three-count indictment with sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, and making false statements to federal agents, per the filings and a Department of Justice press release.
James Johnson, the MDC (Metropolitan Detention Center) correctional officer accused of sexually abusing an inmate, was seen leaving federal court Wednesday following his arraignment. Prosecutors allege he used his authority to force the inmate to perform oral sex and, on a… pic.twitter.com/o2xgYM552m
— Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) March 18, 2026
The indictment, returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York on March 16, alleges Johnson used his authority as a Bureau of Prisons officer to abuse an inmate under his supervision inside the MDC repeatedly. MDC is a notorious federal jail that’s housed inmates like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Luigi Mangione, and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
According to prosecutors, Johnson directed the inmate to accompany him to secluded areas of the jail, including a chaplain’s office and a rarely used suite, where he allegedly forced the inmate to perform oral sex on multiple occasions. He also attempted to have intercourse, the inmate was able to resist.
Federal authorities say the case is supported by forensic evidence, including DNA or semen recovered from the inmate’s prison jumpsuit that was later matched to Johnson with an “overwhelming probability,” as well as video evidence tracking the movements of both men inside the facility. The inmate was said to have essentially cleaned himself up with his jumpsuit: likely on purpose.
Prosecutors also allege Johnson lied to federal agents during an October 2025 interview, denying any sexual contact with inmates despite being warned that false statements constitute a federal crime.
I’m in the EDNY this afternoon as a BOP correctional officer faces arraignment after being indicted for allegedly sexually abusing an inmate at MDC Brooklyn. His name is James Johnson.
Prosecutors say DNA evidence aka semen was recovered from the inmate’s prison jumpsuit and… https://t.co/NCSJclRviQ pic.twitter.com/1eSTlsm3nS
— Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) March 18, 2026
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At Wednesday’s arraignment, attended by Los Angeles Magazine, Johnson was offered a $100,000 bond and released under conditions. The court agreed to exclude time until his next scheduled appearance on April 30, pausing the “speedy trial clock” and allowing both sides to continue preparing the case. The judge also raised the possibility of future plea discussions while mentioning discovery and scheduling.
Outside the courtroom, Johnson’s court-appointed attorney, Richard Palma, was overheard by Los Angeles speaking with prosecutors in what appeared to be preliminary discussions about a potential negotiation, suggesting the case could eventually be resolved short of trial.
After the proceeding, Johnson, dressed in all black, was seen leaving the federal courthouse in Brooklyn with his hood pulled tightly over his face, walking in the direction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Officials cited the alleged conduct as a “grave betrayal of public trust,” stating that correctional officers are responsible for safeguarding inmates, not exploiting them.