A correctional officer at Brooklyn\u2019s MDC, known for housing high-profile inmates, is accused of repeated sexual abuse backed by DNA on the inmate\u2019s jumpsuit<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/o2xgYM552m<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) March 18, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n 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\u2019s housed inmates like Sean \u201cDiddy\u201d Combs, Luigi Mangione, and Venezuelan leader Nicol\u00e1s Maduro.\u00a0<\/p>\n According to prosecutors, Johnson directed the inmate to accompany him to secluded areas of the jail, including a chaplain\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Federal authorities say the case is supported by forensic evidence, including DNA or semen recovered from the inmate\u2019s prison jumpsuit that was later matched to Johnson with an \u201coverwhelming probability,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I\u2019m 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. <\/p>\n Prosecutors say DNA evidence aka semen was recovered from the inmate\u2019s prison jumpsuit and\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/NCSJclRviQ<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/1eSTlsm3nS<\/a><\/p>\n