ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - A final report from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections into the escape of two inmates from the Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution in late May has been released. That report indicates mistakes were made, corrective measures taken and disciplinary action is ongoing.
On Tuesday, May 23rd, it was discovered that inmate James Lee was missing. Not long after, it was discovered, in another housing unit, that objects had been placed under a blanket on a bed giving the appearance someone was in it. It was determined inmate Bradley Gillespie was also missing.
The investigation showed, through video surveillance, the last time the inmates had been seen was the day before. Further investigation concluded the inmates left the institution in a trash dumpster.
On May 24th, Lee was apprehended in Henderson, Kentucky following a vehicle pursuit. On May 28th, Gillespie's body was recovered from the Ohio River. The report goes on to say the four officers working the housing units did not follow proper procedures related to inmate head counts and a supervisor did not conduct a proper recount. Four correction officers and chief of security were placed on administrative leave.
One officer, Lain Patterson, passed away on October 5th; Derrick Coil, a probationary employee, was terminated; Correction Officer Taylor Robey remains on administrative leave pending a pre-disciplinary hearing as was Tre'Mon Glenn Crawford. Captain Brian McGraw is awaiting whether a disciplinary hearing is needed, and Chief of Security Carl Bendross has returned to duty with no further action to be taken.
Corrective measures have been taken since the escape, including open-top dumpsters being replaced with sealed trash compactors, limited accessibility to certain areas, as well as more security cameras.
