Taxstone, serving a 35-year sentence for the fatal shooting of Troy Ave’s bodyguard, now faces additional charges for allegedly smuggling contraband into Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Federal prosecutors announced that he is among eight inmates accused of trafficking or possessing banned items. A former correctional officer is also charged with attempting to bring marijuana and cigarettes into the facility, which houses several high-profile figures, including Diddy.
Sixteen others, including an MS-13 gang associate, face charges related to violent assaults and fraud inside MDC. Prosecutors say Taxstone, whose real name is Daryl Campbell, conspired with five inmates between April and June 2024 to smuggle drugs, cigarettes, a scalpel, and other contraband into the jail.
Authorities intercepted voice recordings from an illegal cell phone in which Campbell allegedly described his method. According to prosecutors, he directed an outside accomplice to attach contraband to a line thrown from a jail window, which inmates could then reel back in.
On June 30, officers caught four inmates attempting the scheme from their housing area’s recreation room. The contraband package included suboxone, marijuana, a scalpel, a phone charger, lighters, and cigarettes.
If convicted, Taxstone could see another 10 years added to his sentence. The crackdown on contraband smuggling at MDC coincides with ongoing violence inside the facility. Among the most recent incidents was the February 22 stabbing of Karl Jordan, the man convicted of murdering Run-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay. Jordan suffered multiple stab wounds but has since recovered.
Five men—Brian Castro, Franklin Gillespie, Juan Lopez, Jowenky Nunez Jr., Hugo Rodriguez, and Elvis Trejo—have been charged in connection with the attack. The brawl left more than 20 inmates needing medical evaluations, with at least five hospitalized. Ten suffered stab or slash wounds.
Taxstone’s legal troubles date back to the infamous 2016 shooting at NYC’s Irving Plaza. A jury found him guilty of manslaughter in the death of Ronald “Banga” McPhatter and convicted him on three assault and two weapons charges. However, he was acquitted of murder and attempted murder.
Prosecutors argued that Taxstone confronted Troy Ave backstage just before Ave was set to open for T.I. A struggle over a firearm ensued, resulting in McPhatter’s death and Ave being shot in both legs. A man and a woman were also struck by gunfire.
Despite receiving a 35-year prison sentence, Taxstone has vowed to appeal the conviction. Now, with fresh charges looming, his legal battle is far from over.
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