New York Prison Escape Update: Another Corrections Officer Put On Administrative Leave, Fugitives Still At Large

A second prison employee, a corrections officer, has been placed on administrative leave following the June 6 escape of two inmates from the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York. The prison break was allegedly made possible with the help of prison worker Joyce Mitchell, hacksaw blades, drill bits and glasses with lights to the prisoners.

The name of the officer is unknown at this point. Earlier reports indicate that, while Mitchell provided those materials, she did not provide the power tools that are said to have been used in the escape through the prison wall, meaning that a second individual would have provided aid to the two inmates.

Richard Matt, 48, and David Sweat, 34, escaped from the prison in upstate New York, near Dannemora, nearly two weeks ago. The ensuing manhunt expanded into nearby states and forced highway shut downs and police checkpoints in the search area.

The two inmates were serving murder sentences, with Matt facing 25 years to life for the kidnapping and dismemberment of his boss and Sweat facing life for killing a Sheriff's deputy.

Mitchell, 51, was originally expected to provide the convicts with a getaway ride but decided against doing so once the escape got closer. Mitchell had apparently befriended the inmates, and had made plans with them that they would kill her husband, another worker at the prison, upon escaping. She reportedly backed out of the husband murder plot, too.

Mitchell has since been arrested on the suspicion that she provided aide to these two men in relation to their escape. Mitchell’s husband has not been arrested, and his lawyer expressed that the husband felt shock upon learning about the murder plot against him.

Matt and Sweat have made their way onto the FBI’s 15 most wanted list. Authorities are offering a $25,000 for information or tips that lead to their capture. Authorities also advise civilians to not approach the fugitives if seen.