Inmate at MDC Brooklyn sentenced to nine years for involvement in stabbing and assaulting a guard.

In a significant ruling, a 22-year-old convicted robber, Leury Mojica, has received a nine-year prison sentence for his violent actions while incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. This decision comes in the wake of a brutal attempted murder of a fellow inmate and an assault on a correction officer who offered him fruit during breakfast.

On February 28, 2023, Mojica, alongside five other inmates, orchestrated a violent attack against their target in a housing unit known to house members of the Trinitarios gang. Video evidence revealed Mojica using a sharp object to restrain the victim while another inmate stabbed him. The victim endured severe injuries, including lacerations to his forehead and nose, multiple puncture wounds, and various scrapes, though he ultimately survived the assault.

This incident occurred just four months prior to Mojica’s sentencing for a series of robberies involving parking lot attendants in the Bronx. In June 2023, a federal judge sentenced him to 5 years and 10 months for those crimes. Despite this sentence, Mojica remained in MDC, pending transfer, where he continued to exhibit violent behavior. On August 24, 2024, he attacked a correction officer, striking him in the face after being offered fruit.

Mojica’s history of misconduct during his incarceration has been extensive, with more than 20 disciplinary violations since 2022, encompassing assault, possession of weapons, setting fires, and defiance of orders. In a plea agreement, he admitted to his roles in both the stabbing incident and the assault on the correction officer.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the importance of the sentence, highlighting the serious repercussions for inmates who jeopardize safety and security within the detention center. While prosecutors sought a sentence between 14 to 18 years due to Mojica’s repeated acts of violence, the defense team argued for leniency, pointing out that his mental health had deteriorated during his incarceration.

Mojica’s legal representatives noted reports from fellow inmates indicating he was experiencing a mental health breakdown, characterized by hallucinations and erratic behavior. They argued that prior requests for mental health treatment had not been adequately addressed and expressed concerns that the conditions of his confinement exacerbated his mental illness.

Ultimately, Judge Carol Bagley Amon imposed a nine-year sentence, to be served consecutively to the robbery sentence, recognizing the violent nature of Mojica’s conduct while also acknowledging his mental health struggles. The court’s ruling serves as a stark reminder of the serious nature of violence within correctional facilities and the challenges of managing inmate behavior effectively.

Mojica, who has approximately two years remaining on his original robbery sentence, expressed a desire for personal change during the sentencing hearing, indicating his wish to understand and improve his current state. The case highlights ongoing discussions regarding mental health treatment for inmates and the complexities of addressing behavioral issues within the correctional system.