WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 23-year-old inmate from the District has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for a violent, unprovoked stabbing of a former cellmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Otisville in New York.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Da’Quan Tucker used a 6-inch contraband knife to repeatedly stab another inmate in the head and face during a violent assault that took place in the prison yard on April 3, 2024.
Assault Was “Brutal and Unprovoked”
The attack occurred without provocation and demonstrated an alarming level of violence. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said:
“Da’Quan Tucker brutally attacked a fellow inmate in the prison yard at FCI Otisville without provocation by repeatedly stabbing him in the head and face with a contraband knife.”
Clayton emphasized that this type of conduct “endangers not only the lives of other inmates but also the safety of prison staff,” adding that it would not be tolerated in the federal prison system.
History of Violent Behavior
At the time of the assault, Tucker was already serving time for a 2023 robbery that he committed while on supervised release. Earlier this year, Tucker entered a guilty plea to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of contraband in prison.
The court documents revealed that after the attack, Tucker reportedly told correctional officers that he would “attack the victim again if given the chance,” suggesting an intent to commit murder had he not been stopped.
Additional Sentencing Details
In addition to his 57-month sentence, Tucker was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release once his prison term ends. The judge underscored the serious nature of the crime and the ongoing threat Tucker posed, both to other inmates and to the security of the facility.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation into the stabbing was conducted by officials at FCI Otisville in cooperation with the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force. Their coordinated efforts led to Tucker’s swift indictment and conviction.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shaun E. Werbelow and Justin L. Brooke, who received praise from U.S. Attorney Clayton for their diligence in securing the conviction.
Prison Violence Under Scrutiny
Tucker’s case highlights growing concerns about contraband weapons and inmate-on-inmate violence within the federal prison system. The Department of Justice continues to work with prison officials to improve safety measures, eliminate illegal items, and protect both staff and inmates.
Authorities say this sentencing sends a clear message: violence behind bars will be met with significant legal consequences, and no leniency will be shown for those who threaten the safety and order of correctional institutions.
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