Three inmates mistakenly released from Madison Co. Jail in six weeks
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JACKSON, Tenn.–Since the beginning of June, three Madison County inmates have been released by mistake, according to the sheriff’s department. “They shouldn’t have been out period,” said Capt. Tom Rudder, the jail administrator. According to Rudder, the numbers are not that alarming. “Over the last two years, we’ve booked between nine and 10 thousand people per year,” he said. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department says it follows the same system for every inmate processed in and out of the jail. Officials say the reason behind accidental releases varies case-by-case. An internal investigation in one of the three cases has been completed. In the June release, an investigation revealed two sheriff’s office employees were negligent when they mistakenly released inmate, Harold Scott. Scott’s name was similar to the inmate who was suppose to be released. Those employees were suspended one day without pay. “I think the system works. The problem is when protocol is not followed. In each of these cases you’re referring to, you can find the system was not followed,” said Rudder. Sheriff Tommy Cunningham says all three inmates released by accident were back in custody within 24-36 hours. Capt. Rudder says there are no current plans to change the processing system.
