In a shocking development, Taxstone, the podcaster currently serving a 35-year sentence for manslaughter, has been hit with new charges stemming from a massive crackdown on contraband at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced that Taxstone, whose real name is Daryl Campbell, is among eight inmates accused of smuggling or possessing illegal items within the facility, which famously houses high-profile inmates including Diddy.
According to the allegations, Taxstone was involved in a coordinated effort to smuggle a variety of contraband—including drugs, cigarettes, and a scalpel—into the jail between April and June 2024. The details of the operation were uncovered through voice recordings found on a contraband cell phone, where Taxstone allegedly explained to his accomplices how to execute the smuggling plan. He described a method of throwing a “line” out of a window for a co-conspirator outside to attach contraband, which could then be pulled back inside.
On June 30, 2024, several inmates attempted to carry out this scheme, leading correctional officers to discover a stash that included suboxone, marijuana, a scalpel, and other prohibited items. If convicted of the new charges, Taxstone could face an additional 10 years in prison, which would extend his already lengthy sentence.
This latest incident is part of a broader wave of criminal activity at the MDC, highlighted by recent violent assaults within the facility. Notably, a brutal stabbing occurred on February 22, involving Karl Jordan, the killer of legendary DJ Jam Master Jay. The altercation left Jordan with multiple stab wounds and resulted in several other inmates requiring medical attention.
A total of five men have been charged in connection with this violent incident, where the victim was reportedly stabbed 18 times. The situation escalated to such an extent that over 20 inmates needed medical assessments, and at least five were hospitalized due to injuries consistent with stabbings.
Taxstone’s legal troubles began long before this latest controversy. In 2023, he was convicted for shooting and killing Troy Ave’s bodyguard, Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, during a 2016 incident at NYC’s Irving Plaza. While he was acquitted of murder and attempted murder, he was found guilty of manslaughter and several assault charges, leading to his lengthy prison sentence. Following his conviction, Taxstone indicated plans to appeal the decision, asserting his innocence and challenging the evidence presented at trial.
As Taxstone navigates these compounded legal challenges, the ongoing issues at MDC raise serious questions about safety and security within the facility. With a history of violence and now contraband smuggling, the situation at the jail continues to evolve, casting a shadow over the already troubled landscape of the correctional system.
This unfolding drama surrounding Taxstone serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers that can arise within prison environments, particularly for inmates with high profiles and contentious pasts. As the legal proceedings progress, many will be watching closely to see how this case develops and what implications it may have for the future of prison reform and inmate management.
