Inmate Sneaks Back Into Jail, Poses As Guard

Matthew Matagrano used to be a prisoner at Rikers. Now he’s a guard. Well, at least he dresses like one. The former inmate snuck back into jail by posing as a Department of Correction employee.

Police say that Matagrano, a 36-year-old “level 3” sex offender, was able to make his way through security with a badge and an ID card. Police do not know how long Matagrano has been playing his little game but according to NJ.com it has been happening for at least a week.

Department of Correction Matt Nerzig spokesman told PIX11:

“Mr. Matagrano was apprehended at Bronx courthouse late this afternoon upon claiming to be a NYC Dept. Of Correction Investigator. Upon learning Thursday evening of Mr. Matagrano’s impersonation of a NYC Dept. of Correction employee, and his unauthorized access to a DOC facility, the Department of Correction within hours was able to identify the individual through surveillance cameras. The apprehension this afternoon of Mr. Matagrano occurred within 24 hours of when the dept. learned of the situation.”

It’s unclear why the former inmate snuck back into jail but it is a major concern for the officials at Rikers. Matagrano could have been helping other prisoners plan their escape or bringing banned items into the prison.

Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that Matagrano has been charged with impersonating an official. In 2004 he was arrested for impersonating a New York City Department of Education official.

Matthew Matagrano will most likely be heading back to prison (although this time against his well) but it’s unclear where he will serve his sentence.