Rikers Lawsuits

New data from the city’s Department of Correction shows the Adams administration began completing more investigations into detainees’ sexual assault and abuse allegations after more than 700 women sued the city in 2023.

City councilmembers, formerly incarcerated women and members of the public grilled jails officials for more than four hours.

The guards’ removal comes weeks after Gothamist questioned whether the allegations against them had been investigated.

The correction department’s compliance with federal guidelines has worsened since Adams took office, Gothamist’s review of city data shows.

City, state and federal officials have been reluctant to investigate the more than 700 claims.

At least five current Rikers officers face allegations in recent lawsuits.

A new Gothamist investigation shows at least five current guards have been accused of rapes and assault, and the true number is likely higher. A city refusal to actively investigate or take safety steps would violate federal and state guidelines.

Anthony Martin Jr. faces multiple allegations of sexual assault, according to prosecutors.

At least two women allege that Anthony Martin Jr., a correction officer at Rikers Island, sexually assaulted them while they were detained at the women’s jail.

The city Law Department is reviewing allegations of sexual assault in the jails, according to Adams.