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Rikers Island Captain Nicknamed “Terror of the Tombs” Indicted for Extortion, Wage Theft

Loaded on July 1, 2026 by Jo Ellen Nott published in Prison Legal News July, 2026, page 29
Filed under: Guard Misconduct, Threats by Staff, DOC/BOP misconduct, Bribery/Extortion/Theft, Fraud and Deceit. Location: New York.

by Jo Ellen Knott

A New York City Department of Correction (DOC) guard captain, infamous for her tyrannical management, was indicted on June 11, 2026, for running a brazen shakedown scheme against her own staff. Latanya Brown, 51, nicknamed the “Terror of the Tombs,” faces federal extortion and wage theft charges after abusing her rank at the City’s Rikers Island jail complex, the New York Daily News reported.

Brown was assigned to Rikers’ Facility Operations Department as a supervisor from July 2024 to November 2025. In her managerial role, federal prosecutors allege Brown acted as a despot. According to the indictment, Brown forced two subordinate guards to pay her via Zelle, buy her a luxury Louis Vuitton bag and act as personal chauffeurs to restaurants, personal appointments and a casino while on duty. Brown allegedly threatened to alter her subordinates’ shifts and deny overtime if they refused.

Furthermore, Brown defrauded taxpayers by collecting more than $231,000 in overtime in addition to her $125,855 salary in 2024 and ran similar numbers in 2025. She also falsely clocked out early more than 100 times, occasionally leaving to spend time at the Empire City Casino in Yonkers.

DOC officials said Brown has been suspended for 30 days following her arrest and will be placed on modified duty depending on how her case proceeds. At her arraignment, Brown pleaded not guilty and was released on a $300,000 bond. She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.  

 

Source: New York Daily News

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