Bronx prosecutors have dropped charges against a New York City correctional officer accused of smuggling a razor blade for an inmate Riker island last year.
Travis Simms’ case was dismissed Tuesday in Bronx Criminal Court.
“It was just a weight taken off my shoulders,” Simms, 33, told The Post. “All praise to the Lord that the truth has come out.”
The resident of Brooklyn was charged in October with official misconduct and two counts of promoting prison smuggling.
City law enforcement at the time alleged that Assistant Assistant Warden Denise Phillips at the George R. Vierno Center noticed a handoff between the guard and an inmate.
But Simms’ attorney, Todd Spodek, said surveillance footage showed otherwise.
Simms, a correctional officer since 2016, was suspended without pay after charges were brought.
The father-of-three young children said he felt the investigation had been rushed and his name had been dragged through the mud.
“I was convicted of something I didn’t do,” he said Wednesday.
The past five months have been “very hurtful and painful,” Simms said, adding, “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
Spodek added, “As one of the boldest New Yorkers, Travis Simms deserves the respect of all New Yorkers, including his line managers and the DOI.
“A full investigation by Angelika Arias and I found absolutely no wrongdoing and he was cleared of all charges.”
Bronx prosecutors said they dismissed the case because prosecutors were unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Department of Correction said Simms is still suspended without pay and is the subject of an internal investigation.
https://nypost.com/2022/03/09/bronx-da-drops-case-against-rikers-co-accused-of-sneaking-razor-to-inmate/ Bronx prosecutor drops lawsuit against Rikers CO accused of smuggling razors to inmates
