By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
May 1, 2001
Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie said Monday he expects to replace a fired correctional officer as early as next week. The officer was fired after an inmate escape and a subsequent internal investigation.
Sollie fired correctional officer Donna Glass for neglect of duties after inmate Derek Houston escaped through the ceiling of the Lauderdale County Detention Facility April 23.
Sollie said Porter will also serve a six-month probationary period since he failed to fill three positions from employees who either called in sick or were scheduled to be off the day Houston escaped leaving the shift with a 25 percent staffing shortage.
The jail break occurred when 21-year-old Houston climbed on top of a partition in the visitation room, removed a ceiling panel, climbed the wall to the other side and lowered himself through an air duct.
Sollie said although some temporary repairs have been made to the visitation room, he and jail administrators are awaiting word from the Board of Supervisors on permanent solutions.
Investigators still have no information as to the whereabouts of Houston. Sollie said residents should consider him dangerous.
Houston was most recently jailed on two burglary charges. Previous charges range from armed robbery to aggravated assault and 10 misdemeanors including simple assault. Houston is also wanted in Texas for various charges.
Residents with information can call CrimeStoppers at 490-2746.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.