Fifth Suspect In Jailbreak Arraigned
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On Wednesday, a fifth suspect charged in connection with the jailbreak on March 31 was arraigned on state charges.
Mathias Smith, 34, pleaded not guilty to two counts of misdemeanor hindering the prosecution. Smith faces similar charges related to jailbreak in federal court.
"It's alleged that he provided or rendered criminal assistance. Those ways include but are not limited to; hiding the individual, providing means for them to prevent being detected or located by an investigating agency. The indictment does not specify the manner in which Mr. Smith rendered that criminal assistance," said Matt Schwartz, Assistant District Attorney.
Also charged with helping inmates Joseph Lee Mitchell and Eddie Palmer escape from the Monroe County Jail in downtown Rochester is a fellow inmate, James Thomas, and longtime local lawyer Rudolph LePore. Both men are charged with promoting prison contraband. Authorities believe they helped get a cell phone to the escapees.
The prosecutor will not say who he believes gave Mitchell and Palmer saw blades. Sources tell YNN Rochester the blades were believed to be in a bible LePore carried into the jail.
All five suspects are scheduled to appear in court next Tuesday for assignment of attorneys and to learn who the new is judge is that will be overseeing their cases.