Brooklyn Youth Counselor Accused of Accepting Bribes
A youth counselor working at a Brooklyn juvenile detention facility has reportedly taken over $70,000 in bribes to smuggle drugs and weapons into his home, according to investigators in New York City.
Reimek Frazier, 31, allegedly received payments through Cash App from the families of young inmates at the Crossroads Juvenile Center. Investigators noted that he took more than $21,000 in 48 separate transactions within just six months last year.
Jocelyn Strauber, the director of the Department of Investigation (DOI), stated, “This defendant was trusted to ensure the safety and welfare of the youth under his supervision as a youth development professional.”
She emphasized that he betrayed that trust by accepting illegal payments to bring in contraband, jeopardizing the safety of both residents and staff.
Frazier began his employment in November 2023 at Crossroads, which is one of two juvenile detention centers in the city, accommodating around 175 criminal defendants aged 14 to 20. Concerns about contraband smuggling, including cell phones and weapons, have led to security checks for the facility’s 280 employees as they arrive for work.
However, employees like Frazier have made matters worse. Investigators revealed that between March 2022 and last month, they confiscated at least 112 cell phones and nearly 700 knives from the center.
According to the DOI, Frazier developed a system using code words—like “zips,” “sprinkles,” and “grabbers”—to facilitate payments for drugs and cigarettes for the incarcerated youths. Ultimately, he is said to have received a total of $72,356 for smuggling these items.
Frazier’s misconduct came to light on January 10, when a silver blade unexpectedly fell from his pocket as he was being watched while at work. Following this incident, he lost his position and was charged in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday. He has since been released on $100,000 bail but is required to stay on home detention and wear an ankle monitor.
