Joshua Smith, a former youth development specialist at Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx, has been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery for allegedly smuggling contraband into the facility in exchange for cash. Smith was arrested today and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle, Jr., and DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata.
The complaint, unsealed in Manhattan federal court, alleges that from at least April 2023 through July 2025, Smith received money for introducing contraband, including marijuana, tobacco, and pills, into Horizon. He reportedly met with associates of Horizon residents in the Bronx to collect these items before delivering them to the youth in the secure detention facility.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said, "For years, the defendant allegedly engaged in a scheme to smuggle contraband into a juvenile detention facility in the Bronx in exchange for cash bribes." He added that such actions make the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders more difficult and called for swift justice and deterrence. FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle, Jr., said that Smith allegedly exploited his position to traffic contraband, putting the youth community at risk.
DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata emphasized that Smith's duty was to safeguard the young people in his care, but he allegedly misused his access for personal gain. Smith, 34, of Yonkers, New York, faces one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.