Crypto enthusiast in supposed NYC kidnapping and torture scheme to be released on bail after a year at Rikers

Crypto Tycoon Granted Bond After Year in Rikers Island William Duplessis, a 33-year-old crypto entrepreneur, is set to be released on bail after spending a year at Rikers Island, following serious charges involving the torture of an Italian millionaire in a luxury Soho townhouse. His bail has been reduced to $250,000, with family members agreeing […]
Man accused of stealing packages in NYC passes away in custody on Riker’s Island – second death at the facility in one day: authorities

On Rikers Island, a suspected package thief passed away while in custody on Tuesday, just a day after another inmate experienced a fatal medical incident at the same facility. Umays Khan, 40, was allegedly involved in stealing packages from a building in SoHo earlier this month. Reports indicate that he was found unresponsive in bed […]
City Council aims to simplify voting for Rikers inmates, but jail officials raise concerns

Efforts to Facilitate Voting for Rikers Island Inmates The City Council is working to make it simpler for the many inmates on Rikers Island to cast their votes, proposing that prison officials address any mistakes on their ballots. However, the Department of Corrections (DOC) argues that implementing this law could result in significant complications for […]
Erik Duran, known as the ‘cooler cop’ in New York City, takes a chance for freedom while awaiting appeal, as details of his solitary life at Rikers come to light.

A former New York City police officer, who caused the death of a drug suspect by throwing a picnic cooler at him, is having his legal team appeal his manslaughter conviction in an effort to secure his release from prison, where he’s currently in isolation. Eric Duran, a 38-year-old ex-sergeant and father of three, was […]
Another Riker’s inmate passes away within a week

An inmate at Rikers Island passed away on Sunday morning, which is the second death reported at the facility in less than a week, according to officials. John Price, 49, who was reportedly the leader of a drug ring, was at the Eric M. Taylor Center when he alerted a guard around 5:40 p.m. on […]
Mamdani’s Visit to Rikers Demonstrated Compassion for Inmates, But Not for Their Victims

Zoran Mamdani hopes his recent visit to Rikers Island during Ramadan is seen as a gesture of compassion. He engaged with inmates, shared a photo on a prayer mat, and commended the “compassion, dignity and humanity” present in the prison environment. Yet, for crime victims, correctional officers, and those familiar with the prison system, these […]
NYC Mayor Mamdani shares Ramadan meal with Muslim inmates at Rikers Island

Mayor Mamdani Breaks Fast with Inmates at Rikers Island New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who observes Ramadan, chose to break a fast with Muslim inmates at Rikers Island, describing the experience as “one of the most meaningful nights” of his time in office. This visit marked Mamdani’s first as mayor, although he had previously […]
Rikers’ restaurant thief and more: Letters

Eating is not a crime It’s surprising, really, that Pei Chong, often dubbed the “Dinner and Dash diva,” is locked up on Rikers Island for, essentially, not paying for dinners. Her offenses are all non-violent, which makes it hard to understand why she’s there when I’ve read about violent offenders still roaming the streets. I […]
Pei Chung declines to exit Rikers once more after skipping out on a restaurant bill.

She’s not rushing to leave Rikers. On Wednesday, Pei Chong, who is accused of being a serial “Dinner and Dash” perpetrator, opted to stay in her Rikers Island cell instead of appearing in court in Brooklyn. This marks the second attempt she has made to skip her legal obligations. This time, Judge Jacob Zelmanowitz decided […]
Mamdani set to sign legislation preventing ICE from operating in Rikers or any correctional facility in NYC

New York City Moves to Ban ICE from Local Correctional Facilities New York City is set to prohibit ICE from operating in 19 correctional facilities within the city, including Rikers Island. Mayor Zoran Mamdani is anticipated to sign the Safeguarding Act soon, which would greatly enhance restrictions on collaboration between city and federal agents related […]