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| Ill. Jailers Suspended for Releasing Inmates Mistakenly |
| By Alton Telegraph |
| Published: 07/30/2003 |
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Two Madison County, Ill., jailers said recently they would be happy to get back to work after being suspended by the Sheriff's Merit Commission. Sgt. Pete Moore, who mistakenly allowed Albert Corey Hunter, 34, of Collinsville, out of jail June 30, was given a 30-day suspension, beginning June 30 and ending July 29. Sgt. Rick Pyatt, who mistakenly allowed Benjamin Browning, 43, of Edwardsville, out of the jail July 6, was suspended without pay from July 8 -- the day he was suspended by Sheriff Robert Hertz -- until July 24, for a total of 17 days. Hunter was the object of a two-state manhunt that lasted until July 11, when he was captured sleeping in a basement in St. Louis. He was released mistakenly again a few days later by the Des Peres Police Department but was recaptured July 16. Browning was recaptured shortly after he was released. The mistakes touched off a strong reaction by Hertz, who said there was no excuse for the errors. He instituted additional safeguards at the jail and referred both jailers to the Merit Commission for discipline. He pointed out that the most he could have done would be to suspend the officers for 30 days without pay, and he felt they deserved more punishment. The Merit Commission could have fired the officers but ended up with punishment within the sheriff's authority to impose. Hertz said the Merit Commission has assured the public of the integrity of the disciplinary process. Hertz noted that the Illinois Department of Corrections has investigated release procedures at the jail and found them more than adequate. Once IDOC submits its written report, that should bring the matter to an end, and Hertz said he does not expect a repeat of the problems. The commissioners made their decision after hearings lasting five hours and deliberations of a little more than an hour. Commission Chairman Robert Means said the deputies' clean work records and positive reactions during the hearings played a part in the commission's decisions. |
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