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Rikers Officer Allegedly Brought Three Knives To Work
By
Emma Whitford
Published Sep 24, 2015
Modified Sep 24, 2015
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By
Emma Whitford
Published Sep 24, 2015
Modified Sep 24, 2015
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A Rikers correction officer was arrested yesterday after allegedly attempting to enter the Anna M. Cross Center with two knives. Further investigation revealed a third knife in the officer's Department of Correction-issued locker.
According to the Department of Investigation, 51-year old officer Angelo Martinez of Middle Village was stopped during a routine screening on the way in to his 3:00 p.m. shift on Wednesday. Martinez allegedly put his duffle bag in the x-ray machine, which revealed a folding knife with a four-inch blade.
A DOC Integrity Control Officer told Martinez to stay on the scene while he alerted superiors. According to the DOI, surveillance footage captured Martinez removing a second, 4-inch blade from his duffle and "concealing" it in his hand. A subsequent DOI search of Martinez's lock box revealed a third knife with a two-inch blade.
"This defendant placed his fellow correction officers at risk by trying to conceal and bring in knives to AMKC, according to the charges," said DOI Commissioner Mark Peters in a statement.
Lock boxes are located just outside jail entrances at Rikers, for officers to store their firearms. According to a DOI press release, DOC policy prohibits knives in jail facilities, including lockers.
Martinez, a 7-year veteran of the DOC, has a base salary of $76,488, according to the DOI release. He has been charged with three counts of promoting prison contraband, and suspended without pay. The investigation is ongoing.
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