Sheriff’s deputies searching for inmate accidentally released

Ector County Sheriff’s Office deputies are actively looking for a non-violent inmate they accidentally released from the Ector County Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon.

Human error is said to be the sole reason for the release of the inmate, Jose David Garcia, an ECSO press release said, and that none of the procedures for verification of inmate release were done in this case. The inmate who was supposed to be released had the same last name as Garcia.

“It was irresponsible and carelessness on the officer’s part for not checking the inmate’s full identity prior to release,” Sheriff Mike Griffis said in a statement.

The release stated Garcia was released by detention officer Pedro Diaz, and that disciplinary action on Diaz has not yet been determined, but that all officers involved in the releasing of inmates will be given a refresher course on the proper protocol for release.

Garcia is not considered a danger to the public, the release stated. He had been in the detention center since January on charges of public intoxication and evading arrest, and also had a hold placed on him by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ECSO is asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Garcia to call their office at 432-335-3050.