Taxstone, the well-known podcast personality, has once again stirred up controversy with alleged prison misconduct for attempting to smuggle contraband into prison.
Federal authorities have disclosed that Taxstone, also known as Daryl Campbell, allegedly orchestrated a classic smuggling operation at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, involving contraband and a rope thrown out of a prison window. Alongside his co-defendants Ian Diez, Jonathan Guerrero, Abel Mora, and Mayovanex Rodriguez, Taxstone is accused of devising a plan to introduce illegal items into the facility.
In the period between April and June 2024, Taxstone reportedly used a contraband cell phone from within the prison to communicate with accomplices on the outside. Recordings obtained by authorities purportedly capture Taxstone detailing the throwback smuggling method, where a makeshift "line" was thrown out of a window to allow individuals outside to attach prohibited items, subsequently reeled back into the prison.
The scheme came to light on June 30, 2024, when Diez, Guerrero, Mora, and Rodriguez allegedly attempted to carry out Taxstone's plan in a recreation room within their cell block. Correctional officers noticed the group pulling a rope and discovered a stash of contraband at its end, including marijuana, suboxone strips, a scalpel, cigarettes, lighters, and a cellphone charger.
The defendants are facing charges of conspiracy to smuggle contraband, which could lead to a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell Noble and Elizabeth D’Antonio are spearheading the legal proceedings.
Taxstone, previously a prominent figure in Hip-Hop podcasting with the "Tax Season" podcast, gained fame for his candid and raw commentary. However, his career took a sharp downturn in 2016 after an incident resulting in a criminal conviction. In 2017, Taxstone was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Ronald McPhatter at a T.I. concert, leading to a trial where he was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter and weapon charges in 2023. As a result, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison, ultimately putting an end to his burgeoning media career.