Florida prisoner’s porta-potty romp at sheriff’s BBQ lands him new felony charge
A Florida inmate is facing a felony charge after allegedly leaving his assigned duties at a county jail barbecue and having sex with a woman inside a portable toilet, authorities said.
Hartley Elliot Sanchez, 35, an unsentenced inmate in custody at the Indian River County Jail, was arrested and charged with prisoner escape after reportedly wandering away from his assigned post during the annual jail barbecue in Vero Beach on Wednesday, according to an arrest report obtained by CBS12.
Sanchez had been working as a jail trustee and was assigned to help serve food at the event. Investigators say he left his post and walked behind a boat display near a row of portable toilets.
Surveillance video reportedly shows Sanchez approaching two women in the area and speaking with them. One of the women then entered a portable toilet, and moments later Sanchez followed her inside after appearing to check whether anyone was watching.
According to investigators, the two later exited the portable toilet separately.
When deputies questioned him, Sanchez allegedly admitted to having sex with the woman inside and reportedly told authorities to review the surveillance footage.
Officials later identified the woman as a former inmate after comparing the video with booking photographs, according to the report.
Sanchez was subsequently charged with one count of prisoner escape or attempted escape under Florida Statute 944.40, which states that leaving an assigned work area while in custody can qualify as an escape attempt.
He is currently being held without bond, authorities said.
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