The Associated Press
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Nueces County Jail inmate, who was supposed to be held without bond, was accidentally released from jail on a $15,000 bond, officials said.
Nueces County Sheriff Jim Kaelin said Juan Zapata was released Monday due to a clerical error.
“This happened on my watch, and I take full responsibility for it,” Kaelin said in a story in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times on Tuesday.
Zapata, who was arrested on June 27 on suspicion of kidnapping and other offenses, still hadn’t been found as of late Monday.
“I don’t see him as a danger. There were alleged kidnapping charges made by his girlfriend during a chase and whether it’s true or not are up to a court to decide,” Kaelin said.
Zapata was first arrested last month on three charges -- suspicion of evading detention, violation of a protective order and reckless driving. He was released from jail on a $15,000 bond but then was re-arrested for allegedly violating the conditions of his release. This time he was supposed to be held without bond. The sheriff said a clerk incorrectly inserted data in the computer saying that Zapata could be released on $15,000 bond.
The sheriff said the incident, which was a first since he has held office, would be investigated but declined to say whether the clerk would be disciplined.