Source: Worker At Upstate Prison Was Having Affair With Escaped Inmate
DANNEMORA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A law enforcement source on Monday said a prison worker told authorities she had a sexual relationship with one of the inmates who escaped.
A source told CBS News that Joyce Mitchell, a tailoring shop instructor at the Clinton Correctional Center in upstate Dannemora, had sex numerous times with inmate Richard Matt inside the prison.
She gave details of the encounters, sources said.
Sweat and Richard Matt escaped from the maximum-security state prison a week ago Saturday. Mitchell appeared in court in Plattsburgh on charges that she helped them flee.
The source said law enforcement is investigating an alleged threat to kill Mitchell's husband, so as to determine whether it was an attempt by the inmates to force her to help them and to keep her quiet about their escape plans, or whether she had willingly plotted with them to kill her husband.
The 51-year-old Mitchell was charged Friday with supplying hacksaw blades, chisels, a punch and a screwdriver. Her lawyer entered a not-guilty plea on her behalf.
Prosecutors say she agreed to be the getaway driver but backed out because she felt guilty for participating.
The district attorney says Mitchell planned a life with the convicts on the run, before backing out at the last second, CBS2's Don Champion reported. She apparently did not want to hurt her husband who also works at the maximum-security prison.
Mitchell has been suspended without pay from her $57,000-a-year job overseeing inmates who sew clothes and learn to repair sewing machines.
Earlier Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told New York's inspector general to investigate the escape of the two convicted murderers.
"Capturing these killers and returning them to state custody remains our top priority – however, it's critically important to examine the circumstances that enabled these inmates to escape in the first place," Cuomo said in a statement. "Today I am directing the Inspector General to initiate an investigation into the facts surrounding this case, and report back on what steps need to be taken to help ensure this situation is not repeated. We have zero tolerance for anyone who aided or abetted these criminals, no matter how minor their role. Make no mistake: any individual found to have assisted in this escape will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The inspector general's investigation is separate from the criminal investigation. The inspector general can subpoena witnesses, examine them under oath and review state documents. Any criminal activity uncovered by the inspector general will be referred to prosecutors.
Cuomo says the inspector general will rely on outside experts in corrections and law enforcement and will recommend potential reforms.
"Apprehension of the two fugitives from Clinton Correctional Facility is the highest priority, and nothing will stand in the way of this primary mission," Scott said in a statement. "At the request of the governor, I am committing all resources necessary to conduct an expedient and comprehensive investigation into all of the circumstances that led to the escape of the two inmates. I will follow the evidence wherever it leads."
More than 800 searchers continued to comb the wilderness near the prison for a 10th day Monday.
Meanwhile, sources tell CBS News authorities are now installing motion detectors and surveillance cameras in the woods near the prison to try to catch the escapees.
But exactly where were the men are headed and where are they now? New leads seem to tug authorities in all different directions, CBS2's Dick Brennan reported.
In fact reports say Matt may have family ties to South Texas near the border of Mexico, and may have connections to human smugglers, Brennan reported.
But right now the focus of the search appears to still be the area aound the prison, and residents aren't taking any chances.
Mary Van, a gun shop owner has seen an uptick in sales.
"We won't go looking for anything but I won't be a hostage either. So, it's time to carry a gun," said Van.
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