Officials: Correction Officer Tried To Smuggle Knives Into Rikers Island Jail
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York City correction officer has been arrested for trying to smuggle knives into Rikers Island, officials said.
Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark G. Peters said Angelo Martinez was arrested Wednesday after he was stopped during a routine screening at one of the jails that make up the Rikers complex.
Peters said a folding knife with a 4-inch blade was discovered in the officer's bag.
He said Martinez was searched and two more knives were found.
Peters said Martinez placed his fellow correction officers at risk by trying to conceal the knives.
The 51-year-old Martinez was suspended without pay. He is charged with promoting prison contraband.
Martinez has been with the city Department of Correction since 2007. His base pay is $76,488.
A spokesman for Martinez's union did not immediately return an email seeking comment.
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