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More Arrests Made in Florida Inmate Escape Case

December 20, 2013 | WMFE - Months after two inmates who committed their crimes in Orange County walked free using forged release papers, Florida law enforcement officials say they've made more arrests in connection with the scheme. Investigators say the document forgery effort was coordinated by another inmate who attempted a similar escape in 2009.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials say Nyeed Nashadai tried his hand at forging release orders four years ago, but failed to secure his freedom. It was shortly thereafter that he began coaching other inmates to create bogus orders. 

For Franklin County escapees Joseph Jenkins and Charles Walker, who were both serving life sentences for Orange County crimes, authorities say Nashaddai had the forged documents delivered to the Orange County Clerk’s Office by another man on the outside. 

The other three conspirators in the case of Jenkins and Walker were arrested and charged with assisting escape and harboring escapees in connection with the September and October escapes. But FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey says the investigation remains open. 

“These arrests, I think, represent significant progress in this case, and we definitely have a more clear understanding of the fraud, but it’s important that you understand that this is still an active investigation,” says Bailey. “We still have numerous leads and evidence to filter through. The reward money remains available for anybody with information about this case.”

Bailey reiterated that investigators have no reason to believe any Department of Corrections or Clerk of Courts employees were involved. He also says corrections staff will continue verifying release orders with judges directly until the state can expand its e-filing system.

 

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