An inmate assigned to help at a sheriff’s office fundraiser in Florida was reportedly charged with attempted escape after leaving his work assignment to meet a woman inside a portable toilet during the event.
According to reports, the incident occurred last Wednesday during the 32nd annual barbecue fundraiser hosted by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office in Vero Beach, Florida. The event included jail tours and demonstrations by SWAT and K9 units. Attendees were also offered food such as hot dogs and barbecue plates.
Authorities said several inmates were allowed to assist with the fundraiser as part of a trustee work program. These inmates were assigned duties such as serving food and helping maintain the event grounds.
During the event, one of the inmates allegedly left his assigned position. According to a police report, the man had been working on the barbecue serving line before he walked away from the area at around 5:30 p.m.
Surveillance footage was reviewed, and it reportedly showed the inmate speaking with two women near a group of portable toilets. Investigators said one of the women later entered one of the toilets, and the inmate allegedly followed shortly afterward.
When he was later questioned by jail staff, the inmate reportedly admitted he had sexual contact with a woman inside the portable toilet.
Investigators reported that the surveillance video helped them identify the woman as a former inmate who had reportedly been released from the county jail about two months earlier after serving time for theft-related charges.
Authorities said the relationship between the two was not described in court records.
The inmate is facing charges for second-degree prisoner escape or attempted escape.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.