Corrections officer jailed after inmates escape work detail

A corrections officer was arrested after four inmates escaped from work detail under his watch, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported.

Quinton Hayes, 37, was arrested Monday on charges of aiding or permitting another to escape lawful custody, reckless conduct, violation of oath by public officer and false statements and writings.

The inmates escaped to a woman’s house and asked her for cigarettes, drugs and alcohol, the newspaper reported. The woman called police, who found the men and Hayes in a work truck 100 yards away.

Hayes told police he gave the inmates a 25-minute break “to do whatever.”

Hayes was written up previously for not watching inmates who then wandered away from work, the newspaper reported.

Hayes was in the Muscogee County Jail on a $5,500 bond.