Feds Seek Additional 33 Months for Taxstone's Contraband Smuggling Plot

The former podcaster faces more prison time for orchestrating a rope-based smuggling scheme at a Brooklyn jail.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Federal prosecutors are seeking an additional 33 months of prison time for Taxstone, the former popular podcaster whose real name is Daryl Campbell, for his role in orchestrating a contraband smuggling operation at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). Taxstone is already serving a 35-year sentence for manslaughter, and his lawyer is arguing for a concurrent 25-30 month sentence with no additional jail time.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges correctional facilities face in preventing the smuggling of prohibited items into prisons, which can pose serious safety and security risks. Taxstone's alleged involvement in a sophisticated smuggling plot using a rope filled with drugs, tobacco, and other contraband raises concerns about the need for tighter security measures and the rehabilitation of high-profile offenders.

The details

According to prosecutors, Taxstone orchestrated a scheme in June 2024 where co-conspirators threw a rope made of contraband items up to inmates on the recreation deck at MDC Brooklyn. The rope contained synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic opioids, marijuana, cigarettes, and other prohibited items. Several inmates were caught on video attempting to pull the rope into the facility before authorities discovered it.

  • On June 30, 2024, the alleged smuggling plot took place at MDC Brooklyn.
  • In September, Taxstone pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to provide and possess contraband.

The players

Taxstone

The former popular podcaster, whose real name is Daryl Campbell, orchestrated the contraband smuggling scheme while serving a 35-year sentence for manslaughter.

Kenneth J. Montgomery

Taxstone's attorney, who is arguing for a 25-30 month concurrent sentence with no additional jail time.

Jonathan Guerrero, Ian Diez, Abel Mora, and Mayovanex Rodriguez

Inmates at MDC Brooklyn who were caught on video attempting to pull the rope filled with contraband into the facility.

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What’s next

Federal prosecutors will argue for the additional 33-month sentence at Taxstone's upcoming sentencing hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges correctional facilities face in preventing the smuggling of prohibited items into prisons, and the need for tighter security measures and effective rehabilitation programs for high-profile offenders.