VETERAN NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO PETIT LARCENY AND OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a New York City Correction Officer has been convicted of stealing money from the mail sent to Rikers Island inmates over a three month period in 2002.

Michael Cook, 43, of Queens, pled guilty to one count each of Petit larceny and Official misconduct, both class "A" misdemeanor offenses.

Acting State Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett set sentencing for Wednesday, March 30, 2005 in Part M60. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Cook, a thirteen year veteran of the New York City Department of Correction, will be ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,000 and must resign immediately.

The incidents occurred at the George Motchan Detention Center on Rikers Island between August 1, 2002 and October 31, 2002. An investigation by the New York City Corrections Department and the Department of Investigations began following inmate claims of mail tampering. During the investigation, Cook was observed on video tape and in still photos, opening mail, and stuffing money into his pockets.

Assistant District Attorney Rachel Singer of the Rackets Bureau is prosecuting this case.