Police Say Ogdensburg Jail worker provided inmates weapons, had sex with them

Police: Ogdensburg prison worker gave inmates weapons, had sex with them

A former correctional officer at the Riverview Correctional Facility in Ogdensburg, New York, has been arrested on multiple charges. Melissa Dixon, a 30-year-old Heuvelton resident, is facing allegations that include bribery, rape, and official misconduct.

The Allegations

State troopers allege that Dixon accepted money to provide weapons and drug paraphernalia to inmates within the prison walls. But that’s not all—investigators discovered an even more disturbing aspect of her actions. While on duty, Dixon engaged in sexual encounters with prisoners.

The Investigation

The investigation began on May 22, triggered by a complaint from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. The authorities swiftly acted upon the information and arrested Dixon. She was processed at the state police headquarters in Ogdensburg.

Charges Against Dixon

Here’s a breakdown of the charges Dixon is facing:

Third-Degree Rape: Two counts.
Third-Degree Criminal Sex Act: One count.
Third-Degree Bribe Receiving: One count.
First-Degree Promoting Prison Contraband: One count.
Official Misconduct: Dixon’s actions violated the trust placed in her as a correctional officer.

Legal Proceedings

Dixon was arraigned in the City of Ogdensburg Court, where she was released on her own recognizance. However, she is no longer employed by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

Closure of Ogdensburg Correctional Facility

It’s worth noting that the Riverview Correctional Facility is located in the northeast corner of Ogdensburg, near the St. Lawrence River. The facility itself was closed in 2022.

Local leaders and residents had previously advocated for maintaining minimal heat and electricity even after its closure.

How did authorities discover her actions?

The authorities uncovered Melissa Dixon’s actions through a diligent investigation triggered by a complaint from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations.

This complaint, filed on May 22, led to swift action, and Dixon was subsequently arrested. The specific details of how the investigation unfolded have not been publicly disclosed, but the seriousness of the allegations likely prompted a thorough examination of her conduct. The charges against Dixon include bribery, rape, and providing weapons and drug paraphernalia to inmates within the Riverview Correctional Facility in Ogdensburg, New York.