NYC public defender arrested on Rikers Island for possession of drug-soaked legal documents.

A public defender associated with a Queens nonprofit organization has been arrested for attempting to bring suspected narcotics into Rikers Island jail. Bernardo Caceres, an attorney with Queens Defenders, was apprehended after allegedly smuggling 130 sheets of THC-infused paper while visiting his client, who faces burglary charges. The incident occurred at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center at approximately 3 p.m. on a recent Wednesday.

According to officials, a drug-sniffing canine, named Brimma, alerted authorities to a yellow legal envelope positioned near a security machine during the attorney’s visit. A subsequent inspection revealed multiple discolored sheets within the envelope, an indication often associated with illegal substances. Law enforcement has previously noted that similar items have contained various narcotic substances, including fentanyl, which can be broken down and smoked or sold within the facility.

Upon the discovery, both Caceres and another attorney, who was processing through security simultaneously, were detained for further investigation. Testing conducted by the Correction Intelligence Section confirmed the presence of THC, the primary active ingredient in marijuana, leading to Caceres being charged with promoting prison contraband. The second attorney was released after officials determined he was unaware of the envelope’s contents.

Caceres, who reportedly smiled during his arrest photo, received a desk appearance ticket and has yet to face arraignment. Further testing is required to validate the substance found in the envelope, according to law enforcement sources.

Benny Boscio, President of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association (COBA), emphasized the incident underscores the necessity for modernizing the handling of inmate mail. Boscio advocated for the implementation of electronic scanning procedures for all mail entering correctional facilities, which he believes would mitigate such incidents. He expressed concern over the continued inability of the Board of Correction to approve measures for increased security in jails.

The situation coincides with ongoing troubles within Queens Defenders. On the same day as Caceres’ arrest, the organization’s former executive director, Lori Zeno, and her partner, Rashad Ruhani, were indicted in federal court for allegedly embezzling approximately ,000 from the nonprofit. The duo purportedly charged personal expenses, including lavish trips and a high-end meal, to organization’s accounts, wrongly claiming these expenses were business-related.

In light of Zeno’s January ouster as executive director, the city recently transitioned the legal defense contract of Queens Defenders to another nonprofit entity, Brooklyn Defenders, with official changes set to take effect on July 1. Both representatives from Queens Defenders and Brooklyn Defenders have declined to comment on the developments involving Caceres’ arrest.

This unprecedented incident illustrates the intricate challenges faced by correctional facilities and the legal system in maintaining security amidst ongoing controversies within legal defense organizations. Media News Source will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.