A new development in the case of the escaped New York prisoners suggests that more than a dozen prison employees may be involved or were negligent leading up to the escape.
The New York State Department of Corrections announced Tuesday that three members of the executive team, including Superintendent Steven Racette, were put on administrative leave along with nine security staff members, NBC News reports.
Prison employees Joyce Mitchell and Gene Palmer have already been arrested and charged in connection with the June 6 escape of convicted murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat. Matt has since been fatally shot by police and Sweat was shot and captured.
A prosecutor said that after Sweat was arrested, Sweat told authorities that Mitchell was the only prison worker involved. Mitchell, who has denied allegations she had a sexual relationship with Matt, is charged with providing tools to help the inmates escape. She was allegedly planning to be the getaway driver for the prisoners before backing out at the last minute.
Palmer is accused of trading special favors that helped their escape. He allegedly exchanged supplies for elaborate paintings and information on other inmates.
The search lasted for about three weeks with hundreds of officers scouring New York and Vermont before finally ending over the weekend.
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