Federal prosecutors made the announcement Monday of a filing for contempt of court and are seeking a court-appointed receiver to take responsibility out of the hands of the Mayor Eric Adams' administration.

This announcement comes two days after the death of an inmate at Rikers Island - the 25th person to die in Department of Correction custody or shortly after being released since 2022.

Prosecutor Damian Williams says Rikers Island has been in crisis for years, and the mistreatment of both the inmates and Department of Correction staff dates back several administrations.

Williams released a statement saying, "After eight years of trying every tool in the toolkit, we cannot wait any longer for substantial progress to materialize." He also acknowledged that his office will seek a court appointed receiver to address the conditions on Rikers Island.

Back in 2015, an agreement was made between the U.S. and New York City to address the violations of inmates’ constitutional rights on Rikers Island. The deal required the DOC to implement reforms to reduce violence and improve the safety and well-being of all inmates and staff in the jail. But on July 10, the federal monitor released a report that found that the DOC had not made substantial progress in implementing the reforms, plans or practices that were in the agreement. This report is what ultimately led Williams and Co. to this decision. If appointed, the receiver would report to the court and would have the power to make the changes to follow the action plan.

"I also have concerns about receivership because we've seen it not work in other places as well,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “We've had a number of things we are asking to see with that receivership, including getting community groups have been working on this and a panel of folks who have been working on this to work alongside the receivership as well, but at some point you have to do something because what's happening now is not good for anyone."

A City Hall spokesperson said in a statement: “Over the last six months, our efforts have led to double digit reductions in a number of areas, and just three months ago, the federal monitor stated that ‘real change has occurred’ on Rikers Island. So, what’s changed?”

The decision on if a receiver can takeover Rikers Island will now go before a U.S. District Court judge on Aug. 10.