An investigation into an inmate escape from the Fairfield County Jail Annex led to three deputies facing disciplinary actions, 10TV's Tanisha Mallett reported Sunday.
Jeremiah Searles, a registered sex offender in Missouri, set off a two day manhunt in February. Searles, 31, was caught at a gas station in Fayette County.
Sheriff Dave Phalen said one deputy miscounted the number of people who returned from recreation the afternoon Searles escaped, Mallett reported. He said Deputy Michael Strosnider recorded 24 inmates going out and 24 coming back in.
"Really, just 23 came back in," Phalen said. "One had actually hidden in the yard and shortly after the individual climbed the fence and escaped."
Phalen said Strosnider would face a disciplinary hearing for the mistake.
Two other deputies received written reprimands for not following certain procedures that delayed the time that it took to realize someone had escaped, Mallett reported.
After the incident, changes were made to the jail. Additional security cameras were added, the number of inmates allowed outside was dropped, and the rule was made to have two sheriff's deputies with the inmates at all times.
Phalen also said his office would work with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and have them patrol the perimeter of the jail on a regular basis.
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