POPE COUNTY (KFSM) – The Pope County Jail released the wrong inmate on June 29, according to a news release.
Jeffrey A. Hale, 43, was released after impersonating another inmate who was actually supposed to be released on June 29, authorities said.
Both inmates share the same first name and were in the booking area at the same time waiting for processing, the release states. Hale signed the release documents with the other inmate’s name, according to the Pope County Sheriff’s Office.
The error was quickly realized, and Hale was captured without incident 24 hours later after being found at a nearby residence.
The incident is still under investigation, and disciplinary action is being taken against detention center administration.
Additional charges are expected to be filed against Hale as a result of the incident.
