DEVELOPING: 1,000 Inmates Jailed Without Heat

SUNSET PARK – “More than a thousand inmates have been stuck in freezing cells at a federal jail on the Brooklyn waterfront that has had limited power and heat for at least this week, according to federal public defenders and leaders of the union representing the jail’s corrections officers,” New York Times reported this afternoon.

They beat us to the story we were working on and did an amazing job, so read it and raise hell. This is what we were told by the Bureau of Prisons:

“Currently, MDC Brooklyn is experiencing a partial power outage.   The institution is operating on emergency power, cells have heat and hot water, there is lighting in the common areas and inmates are receiving hot meals.

At this time, access for inmates to phones and inmate messaging, as well as commissary is temporarily affected.  However, essential personal hygiene items and medical services continue to be provided.

Unrelated to the partial power outage, MDC Brooklyn has been placed on limited operational status. The institution remains secure.

Con Edison has been dealing with numerous power emergencies in the community.  MDC Brooklyn is working with Con Edison to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Visitors should continue to check the public website (www.bop.gov) for any impact on visiting.”

That statement seems to contradict New York Times reporting, and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez is touring the facility right now and we’ll update on the outcome.

Councilman Carlos Menchaca is organizing: