Six Sentenced in Rikers Island Corruption Case

Six individuals, including former corrections officers, a program counselor, a contractor, and an inmate, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a bribery scheme at Rikers Island.

Six individuals, including former corrections officers, a program counselor, a contractor, and an inmate, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a bribery scheme at Rikers Island, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

The final sentencing in the case took place Monday, with former corrections officer Stephanie Davila receiving 12 months and one day in prison. The five other defendants had previously been sentenced to terms ranging from 12 to 41 months.

Prosecutors said the group conspired to smuggle contraband—including controlled substances such as fentanyl, marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoids, as well as cellphones and cigarettes—into Rikers Island in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars in bribes. Authorities stated that the scheme contributed to a dangerous contraband market inside the jail, impacting the safety of both inmates and staff.

Each defendant played a different role in the operation. Some, like former corrections officers Jason Skeet and Chantal De Los Santos, facilitated the entry of contraband, while others, such as former program counselor Shanequa Washington and contractor Kenneth Webster, acted as intermediaries. Former inmate Kristopher Francisco was said to have directed certain transactions while incarcerated.

Between January 2020 and June 2022, Skeet reportedly smuggled contraband into the facility around 100 times in exchange for over $45,000. Webster, a former inmate who later worked as a contractor at Rikers, allegedly received more than $64,000 for smuggling items. The remaining defendants were accused of facilitating similar transactions for financial gain.

All six individuals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. The case was investigated by the FBI and the New York City Department of Investigation.

Sentences Imposed:

• Stephanie Davila, 31 – 12 months and a day

• Chantal De Los Santos, 31 – 15 months

• Kristopher Francisco, 29 – 37 months

• Jason Skeet, 47 – 37 months

• Shanequa Washington, 40 – 12 months and a day

• Kenneth Webster, 43 – 41 months

The prosecution was handled by the Public Corruption Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.