|
|
| Escape investigation reveals problem at jail |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 05/17/2004 |
|
Routine violation of the policy on bed checks by some corrections officers could have contributed to the March 31 escape from the new York County (Maine) Jail, Sheriff Philip Cote said last Monday. An investigation that included interviews with 55 inmates and several staff members revealed that corrections staff often failed to determine if prisoners were actually in their cells. That was the case when Michael Christopher Barbaria, 26, of Biddeford, escaped by prying open a woven fence in an indoor-outdoor recreation yard. "I think some people got complacent," Cote said. "It appears there was a violation of policy." Barbaria allegedly made up his bunk so that it appeared to be occupied before he clambered up on a basketball backboard in the recreation yard off his cellblock and got through the fence. Detective Michael Hayes said officials believe Barbaria got a ride that night, suggesting that the escape had been planned. Barbaria had been jailed on pending charges that included robbery, burglary, probation violation and refusing to submit to arrest. He was not discovered missing until about 7 a.m. the following day, despite a telephone call from Biddeford police who thought they had spotted him on a city street. Jail officers checked status reports but apparently did not check Barbaria's bunk to see if he was in it. He was captured in Saco the next day. Cote said officers believed Biddeford's inquiry was a routine one because police departments frequently call the jail to determine if someone is incarcerated. Cote said financial woes led to the jail's continued use of indoor-outdoor recreation yards even though he knew the security fence was a concern. The sheriff said up to half a dozen corrections officers will undergo personnel hearings in connection with the escape. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think