A New York prison employee who was charged with helping the two convicted murders escape prison pleaded not guilty when she appeared in court yesterday. New details have been unfolded about just what her role was in the escape plan aside from providing the two escapees with tools and blades. Hit the jump for more.
According to Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie, Joyce Mitchell had plans to meet up with Richard Matt and David Sweat at a near by power plant the night of their escape. She was supposed to drive the two men to an undisclosed wooded area. Mitchell claims she did not know where she was going to take the fugitives but only that 4-wheel drive was required. The plan fell through however when Mitchell checked herself into a nearby hospital complaining of a panic attack.
Mitchell the 51 year-old prison seamstress was arrested and charged Friday Her charges include promoting prision contraband and criminal facilitation for assisting the two men in the escape.
Police believe that Matt and Sweat had been planning and rehearsing their escape for up to five weeks before they broke out. Mitchell is said to have provided them with hacksaw blades, chisels, a punch and screwdriver bit one month ago.
Clinton County D.A. Wylie said she had also given speed bag gloves, glasses and batteries last year. According to police, officials previously looked into Mitchell’s relationship with the two men. Authorities also believe that the two men had a cell phone in the prison. Mitchell claims that she did not provide either of the men a cell phone.
The men have been missing since June 6th and so far an eight day manhunt has taken over West Plattsburgh,NY. Police have not found any clues regarding the whereabouts of the two men. Mitchell has pleased not guilty to her charges and will appear in court Monday. If convicted she faces up to eight years in prison.
Source ABC
