Inmate James Rynerson was let out of jail prematurely–only to be returned by his wife, according to The Independent.
Last month Rynerson was incorrectly freed from Mesa County Jail in Colorado where he awaited trial on charges of menacing, disorderly conduct and trespass.
Rynerson was presumably overjoyed at his freedom–his wife less so. She drove him back less than two hours after he was released.
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According to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, details of Rynerson’s erroneous release have been revealed in a court document.
Rynerson was mistaken for his former inmate, 35-year-old Marvin March. March temporarily shared Rynerson’s cell and was later moved out. The jail’s housing list, however, was not updated. When warders went to collect March, who was actually anticipating a release, they mistakenly went to Rynerson’s cell and collected him instead of March.
Jail staff allegedly did not verify the identity of the inmate being released. Prison guards only found out about the mishap when March approached them to ask about his release.
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Mesa County Sherriff Sergeant, Henry Stoffel stated that jail staff did not follow correct procedure and did not check Rynerson’s wristband or picture. An investigation is reportedly under way to ascertain whether prison policy regarding the housing list needs to change.
It remains unclear whether Rynerson was aware of the mistake and knowingly let himself be freed in error. However, he reportedly now faces additional charges of escape, forgery and criminal impersonation.
Sergeant Stoffel praised Rynerson’s wife for bringing him back. Rynerson’s own feelings on the matter have not been revealed as yet.