A prison worker provided two convicted murderers with a slew of "dangerous contraband" to help them in their dramatic bid to escape a maximum security prison in upstate New York, court documents claim.
Joyce Mitchell, 51, allegedly gave Richard Matt and David Sweat hacksaw blades, chisels, a punch and screwdriver bit on May 1, according to the criminal complaint, filed Friday in Clinton County Court.
For this, she faces a felony count of promoting prison contraband, which could land her eight years in jail.
Joyce Mitchell Arrested in Dannemora New York Prison Escape Case, Police Say Female New York Prison Employee Was Investigated For Alleged Relationship with Escaped Convict, Sources Say NY Prison Escape: What the Latest Clues Tell Investigators in Search for InmatesShe was also hit with a misdemeanor charge of criminal facilitation for "rendering aid" in the June 6 escape from Clinton Correctional Facility.
Mitchell worked there as a supervisor in the tailor shop and was suspended without pay Friday, New York state corrections officials said.
At her arraignment Friday night in the Plattsburgh City Court, Mitchell, represented by lawyer Keith Bruno, was held in lieu of $100,000 cash or $200,000 bond for the felony and $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond for the misdemeanor. She was moved to Rensselaer County Jail on Saturday morning.
Mitchell's attorney entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
She lowered her head when she heard the amount for the felony bail and only said "yes" when asked about her name.
Sources said that she was investigated in the past year for allegedly having a relationship with one of the men, there was not enough evidence to move forward.