Daryl Campbell, better known as Taxstone, faces new charges for allegedly planning to smuggle contraband into MDC-Brooklyn, where he’s currently serving time for his role in the 2016 shooting death of Troy Ave’s bodyguard.
On Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York revealed that Taxstone and four fellow inmates—Ian Diez, Jonathan Guerrero, Abel Mora, and Mayovanex Rodriguez—are accused of trying to sneak drugs and other prohibited items into the facility. “As alleged, between April and June 2024, Campbell used a contraband cell phone to conspire with others to smuggle contraband into MDC-Brooklyn,” states the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “In several voice recordings found on the phone, Campbell explained his method of throwing a ‘line’ out of a window of MDC-Brooklyn for a co-conspirator on the outside to ‘hook” or attach contraband, which could then be pulled back inside.”
The four other inmates reportedly attempted to execute Taxstone’s plan by pulling a rope through the recreation room in their housing area. Officers discovered a box at the end of the rope containing suboxone, marijuana, a scalpel, a phone charger, multiple lighters, and cigarettes. All five inmates could face up to ten years in prison if convicted.
“These actions undermine the order and security of MDC-Brooklyn and endanger everyone within its walls,” John J. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated on Thursday, adding that his office is “working tirelessly” on these issues. “These charges serve as a warning to those who would engage in criminal conduct behind bars, and anyone else who facilitates those crimes: your conduct will be uncovered, and you will be held accountable,” Durham added.
The charges against Taxstone and the four other inmates were part of a larger crackdown involving 12 separate cases with 25 total defendants, including inmates, their associates, and a former correctional officer. The former podcaster and internet personality was already serving a 35-year sentence for the fatal shooting at Irving Plaza during a T.I. concert in 2016, for which he was sentenced in 2023.
