By Sarah Robinson
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A 37-year-old correctional officer with Columbus Public Works allowed four male inmates to wander off on May 24 during work detail in the area of Chattsworth Road, according to testimony Wednesday in Municipal Court.
Quinton Hayes, who has since resigned from his position with the Rainwater Division, pleaded not guilty to one count of aiding or permitting another to escape lawful custody, reckless conduct, violation of oath by public officer and false statements and writings. He was ordered held in the Muscogee County Jail under bond totaling $5,500.
Hayes, whose case was bound over to Superior Court, remains under investigation by the Georgia Department of Corrections Criminal Investigations Division.
The Columbus Police Department received a call on May 24 from a woman who reported that four inmates approached her Chattsworth Road home near Macon Road asking for cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. At the time, they allegedly weren’t in view of Hayes, the correctional officer responsible for supervising them.
Authorities responded to the scene and found the men and Hayes in a work truck that was parked about 100 yards within the woman’s house, testified Chris Samra, a special agent with the Georgia Department of Corrections Criminal Investigations Division.
“There were a lot of trees, a river and bridge they had to cross over to get to this house,” Samra said. “There was no eye contact whatsoever between the officer and the inmates.”
Samra said he interviewed the inmates, who said they visited the home after Hayes gave them a 25-minute break “to do whatever.”
Officials confirmed that the inmates were charged with escape. Their names and additional information has not been released.
Samra said records show Hayes’ employer wrote him up several times for not keeping an eye on inmates who would then wander off.
One of the inmates charged in the May 24 incident admitted to visiting the home once before during work detail.
Warrants were issued for Hayes and he was taken into custody on Monday at his Phenix City home.
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