By DAVID KASSABIAN
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
CORPUS CHRISTI — A convicted rapist who escaped from the Jim Hogg County Jail last week may have had a relationship with a female corrections officer while at the Duval County Jail.
Duval County Sheriff Santiago Barrera said a female corrections officer whom he declined to identify was put on paid administrative leave Saturday as authorities investigate whether she had a relationship with 26-year-old Abel Morin Jr.
Morin escaped Feb. 5 from the Jim Hogg County Jail after being taken to the Duval County Jail earlier in the day for a hearing, Barrera said.
He was serving five life sentences for the rape of a neighbor and her daughter.
Barrera declined to discuss the specifics of a possible relationship between Morin and a corrections officer. However, he added the woman is not accused of helping him escape.
Investigators from both counties, the Texas Rangers and U.S. Marshals Service continue to search for Morin, who has family and friends in San Diego and Alice.
He is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall and 180 pounds with brown eyes, black hair, a light complexion and several tattoos on both arms.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service at 956-790-1784 or 800-336-0102.
Contact David Kassabian at 886-3778 or kassabiand@caller.com
Morin is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall and 180 pounds.
Copyright 2008 SCRIPPS Howard Publications