March 09--LANCASTER, Ohio -- Three deputies have been disciplined following a break out last month from the Fairfield County jail annex, and security has been improved to thwart other escapes, Sheriff Dave Phalen said today.
Deputies Trent Temper, 27, and Matthew Ray, 34, who were hired when the jail annex opened last year, received written reprimands. Michael Strosnider, 61, a more experienced deputy, faces a hearing on internal administrative charges filed against him that could result in discipline ranging from a few days' suspension to firing, Phalen said.
Four additional security cameras have been added for a total of 17. Two deputies now are required to guard jail inmates at outdoor recreation, up from one. And deputies have received additional training, Phalen said.
The changes follow the escape of Jeremiah C. Searles on Feb. 20. Searles, 31, failed to come in from outdoor recreation, and none of the deputies noted his absence.
Searles used socks to protect his hands while he scaled a 12-foot, razor-wire-topped fence at the jail annex at 5955 Revenge Rd.
The county opened the jail annex in November, leasing a former boot-camp building at the Southeastern Correctional Institution from the state to relieve crowding at the two jails in downtown Lancaster.
Searles was the first escapee, Phalen said.
Searles was captured in Fayette County two days after escaping. He and four people, including his sister, who authorities say helped him after the escape, have been indicted on felony charges.
Copyright 2012 - The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio
