'Violated trust': Weapons, drugs allegedly smuggled into NYC juvenile center

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Several employees of the Administration for Children's Services were arrested and accused of smuggling weapons, drugs, and other prohibited items into a juvenile facility in Brooklyn, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

According to the arrest records, all five employees were Youth Development Specialists at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

"These defendants, in their roles as Youth Development Specialists at ACS, were entrusted with ensuring the safety and security of the residents in the City's youth detention facilities," Department of Investigations Commissioner Strauber said. "They violated that trust by allegedly accepting cash payments to smuggle drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items into the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn, thereby destabilizing the facility and increasing the risk of violence to both residents and staff."

The five defendants are identified as:

• Da'Vante Bolton, 31, of Queens, N.Y.
• Roger Francis, 58, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Christopher Craig, 37, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Nigel King, 45, of Queens, N.Y.
• Octavia Napier, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Bolton accepted more than $20,000 from juvenile residents and their associates in exchange for smuggling razor blades and marijuana, court documents show. Francis allegedly received more than $17,000 from residents and their associates in exchange for smuggling marijuana and cell phone accessories, according to court documents.

Craig received $5,000 in exchange for smuggling tobacco, marijuana, and other prohibited items, according to court documents. King allegedly smuggled in marijuana, pills, and prescription pills in exchange for $6,800, and Napier allegedly received $2,000 in bribes and used her personal Cash App to receive funds.

The residents of Crossroads range in age from 14 to 20. If convicted, each defendant could face up to five years in prison.