Harris Ferro charged in 22-count indictment; allegedly sold cigarettes and lighters to inmate at Nassau County Correctional Center
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce A. Smith announced the indictment of a correction officer for allegedly smuggling contraband, including cigarettes and lighters, into Nassau County Correctional Center (“NCCC”) in exchange for bribes.
Harris Ferro, 35, was arraigned before Judge Fran Ricigliano on a 22-count indictment, including five counts of bribe receiving in the third degree (a D felony), two counts of promoting prison contraband in the first degree (a D felony), five counts of promoting prison contraband in the second degree (an A misdemeanor), five counts of official misconduct (an A misdemeanor); and five counts of conspiracy in the sixth degree (a B misdemeanor). Ferro faces a maximum of seven years in prison if convicted of the top charge. He is due back in court on September 24, 2021.
“Officers who accept bribes and compromise the integrity of their position for personal financial gain threaten the safety of their fellow officers and undermine the County’s correction system,” said Acting DA Joyce Smith. “NCDA is committed to investigating and prosecuting contraband smuggling and holding individuals accountable for these crimes.”
According to the indictment, between January and February 2021, Ferro on five separate occasions allegedly smuggled cigarettes into NCCC in East Meadow and sold them to an inmate. In each incident, a third party allegedly transferred money electronically to Ferro. Once he received the money, according to the charges, Ferro brought the cigarettes into the jail and sold them to an inmate for a sum of $100. On two occasions, Ferro allegedly brought the inmate a disposable lighter. Inmates at NCCC are not permitted to smoke or be in possession of cigarettes or any other incendiary devices.
Ferro was arrested by Nassau County District Attorney Detective Investigators on August 20, 2021.
Ferro began his employment as a correction officer at NCCC on August 15, 2014.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Davidman of the NCDA’s Public Corruption Bureau is prosecuting the case. The defendant is represented by Fred Annabel, Esq.
The charges against the defendant are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
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