An Adams County deputy failed to follow established procedures, and that allowed an inmate to escape from jail, an inquiry ordered by Sheriff Doug Darr has found.
A staff inspection team, made up of four supervisors in the Sheriff’s Office, looked at jail-release standards and procedures after the Feb. 24 escape of Steven Mathew Rodriguez.
The team concluded that a deputy’s error, and not a faulty policy, allowed the escape.
An internal investigation into the deputy’s actions is ongoing, said Sgt. Louis Dixon III, a sheriff’s spokesman.
“Once it has been brought to a conclusion, the sheriff will make a statement in regard to any actions that may be taken on disciplinary issues,” Dixon said.
Rodriguez, 32, who was recaptured in Lakewood on March 7, was being held on a Commerce City sexual-assault charge and a parole violation. He is also a “person of interest” in a Denver double-homicide.
Rodriguez escaped by using the identification card of a fellow inmate who was being released on bond.
He’s now back at the Adams County Jail under close guard.
“It’s going to be a long time before he gets out like that again,” Dixon said.
The inspection found the deputy failed to properly identify the inmate because “systems in place” were not followed.
“It is our obligation and responsibility to adhere to and follow the established policies and procedures to prevent improper releases,” Darr said in a written release.
The Sheriff’s Office did not release the name of the deputy involved.
The inmate whose identification card was used did not knowingly participate in the escape, Dixon said.
In 2005, the jail released 17,211 inmates, an average of 1,434 a month. The jail took in 17,257 inmates during 2005.
The inspection team recommended the Sheriff’s Office look at other possible identification systems to improve security, including scanning inmates’ retinas.
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-820-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
