Across The Bridge a Rikers Island Story

Steven Dominguez

Jan 2021 · Molding Messengers, LLC

About this ebook

A harrowing insight into New York City's most notorious detention complex, Rikers Island. The narrative plays through multiple characters who possess a particular position of control and power within the jail, along with the inmates and civilians who witness the violence, drugs, sex, and corruption that occurs every day inside. The seclusion of the jail from the city's beautiful skyline can seem like an amazing inferno to outsiders, however, for those who make it to the other side whether to make a living, being detained for breaking the law or visiting someone accused of doing so, they all share that unshakable feeling. Each character intertwines with one another through desperation and aspiration, sharing the same main objective... survival. Fraternization between uniformed staff and those incarcerated, the drug and alcohol abuse they have in common, violence between the inner-city gangs who congregate under the same roof, and the political pressure of elected officials attempting to maintain order where over 40% of the population suffers from mental illness. Out of sight out of mind. WELCOME TO THE ISLAND.

About the author

Steven Dominguez, is a NYC native, born and raised by an immigrant mother who later became a teacher for the NYC’s public-school system. Steven, became the man of the house at an early age. Selling sneakers and hats after school, and shoveling snowy driveways within his community during the winter. He hustled every chance he could. After high school, he quickly began his college career at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he majored in Criminal Justice & Minored in Forensic Psychology. While attending college full time, Steven was hired by the Department of Homeland Security and employed by the TSA. He was later presented with the opportunity to take the NYC Corrections Officer exam, which he passed with flying colors. He began his journey as a Correction officer at the tender age of 21 years. This was a culture shock for Steven. Even though he was accustomed to witnessing drug use, violence, and gangs as a child, his introduction to the Rikers Island detention complex, where he was stationed, was a whole different realm. He slowly became desensitized to the violence and minding his business when corruption occurred right under his nose. After 3 years of constantly battling right from wrong, he became a product of his environment. Steven would take up an offer from an inmate he housed and began transportation kilos of cocaine, pounds of marijuana & OxyContin pills throughout New York City & into Rikers Island for profits extending up to $12,000 for a job. He was then thrown under the bus by this same inmate and indicted on A1 Criminal Possession and Conspiracy charges by the federal government. He was sentenced to 8 years after copping out to a plea deal. Steven took the fall for his actions and was able to reintegrate into society after he paid his debt to society.