Introduction
New York, NY – October 4, 2025 — A Bronx man has been convicted of violently assaulting a federal corrections officer inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Manhattan, using a razor blade weapon to slash the officer’s neck. The jury’s verdict underscores the risks faced by correctional staff and the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting violent attacks within prison walls.
The Incident
According to court evidence and the indictment, on May 30, 2020, Powell, 34, of the Bronx, launched a sudden and brutal attack against a corrections officer at MCC. Powell used a weapon made from razor blades, slashing the officer’s neck and causing a serious laceration that required immediate medical intervention.
The weapon was classified as contraband, as inmates are prohibited from possessing such items. Investigators revealed that Powell had obtained and concealed the razor blades prior to the attack, demonstrating premeditation. The assault occurred during a routine movement of inmates and caused chaos inside the facility until officers restrained Powell.
The officer, though seriously injured, survived the incident and later testified to the violent nature of the assault, describing the attack as unprovoked and life-threatening.
Statements from Officials
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the significance of the conviction, stating:
“This violent assault on a corrections officer highlights the dangers faced by those who protect our detention facilities. Today’s conviction makes clear that such attacks will be met with the full force of federal law.”
Williams credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its investigative efforts and praised the professionalism of the prosecution team.
The Prosecution Team
The case was handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas John Wright, Henry L. Ross, and Leslie B. Arffa leading the prosecution. They were supported by Paralegal Specialists Myrnette Millington and Phineas Santello, who assisted throughout the proceedings.
Williams noted that the teamwork between prosecutors and investigators ensured a strong case that ultimately secured Powell’s conviction.
Broader Context: Safety Concerns in Federal Prisons
The attack at MCC is one of several incidents that have drawn attention to the safety risks faced by correctional officers in federal facilities. Advocates argue that staffing shortages, rising inmate populations, and the availability of improvised weapons have created dangerous conditions.
Union representatives for correctional staff continue to press for more resources, additional officer training, and technology improvements to detect contraband before it can be used in violent assaults. Experts point out that razor blades and other sharp objects remain among the most commonly smuggled or repurposed contraband items inside prisons.
Federal officials say Powell’s conviction serves as a warning to other inmates that violence against corrections staff will result in serious federal consequences, even for individuals already serving lengthy prison terms.
Conclusion
Powell now awaits sentencing in November, where a federal judge will decide his punishment. For the injured officer, the conviction provides long-awaited accountability more than five years after the attack.
Prosecutors reaffirmed that protecting correctional officers remains a top priority, and that the federal justice system will continue to pursue cases aggressively to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates in correctional facilities.
