By Christine Killumayer
WHNT
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. — After more than four years on probation, a violation landed Robert Allen Russo in the Madison County Detention Facility in June. During his 90-day sentence, Russo was allowed to work as a class four inmate, the jail’s lowest security classification.
“He was working unsupervised in our fleet shop, in case we need somebody at night to give a spare car to a deputy or fix a broken vehicle or replace a tire,” said Chief Deputy Steve Morrison of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. More than 100 inmates within the county are involved in the trustee program working various jobs for the facility and, in turn, saving the county money.
“These guys get nothing but a little bit of extra food. They get change. They get tips from washing cars, so they’re able to buy their cigarettes and their candy bars and soft drinks,” said Morrison. With roughly a week left to serve, Russo decided to celebrate his soon-to-be freedom a little early.Over the weekend, Morrison says Russo borrowed one of the facility’s unmarked SUVs and took a joy ride to the liquor store.
Full story: Madison County inmate takes a joy ride from jail, arrested for DUI