BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
The Louisiana State Police has released the findings of the investigation into the escape of two inmates a few months ago and although it is not suspected the pair received any inside help, the report revealed four Department of Public Safety employees did not follow certain policies and/or procedures.
The investigation centered on the escape of Darian Pierce, 33, and Ricky Wedgeworth, 36, from a work detail at the DPS headquarters on March 4.
"It happened on my watch, and I have to fix that," said Col. Edmonson.
A criminal investigation proves the pair did not have inside or outside help escaping.
"Even though they tried to contact family members and friends, no one wanted to help them," said Col. Edmonson.
But another parallel investigation shows officers did not follow procedures. It all comes back to a head count that should have been taken aboard a bus. But because there are two buses that take turns picking up inmates, there was some confusion.
"Instead of sitting there and saying maybe he's going to be on the next bus, maybe he's still on the work location, it should have stopped at that point because the protocols and procedures were in place. He should have stopped right there and said he's not here, let's find out where he was," said Col. Edmonson.
Had that bus driver realized Pierce and Wedgeworth were not on board, Colonel Edmonson said it would have saved detectives three crucial hours. Instead it gave the escaped pair that much more time to get out of town.
So now, there are some changes in place. Gates that once used to stay open, now required someone to physically come and open them.
A supervisor has to accompany a driving trustee. John Deere tractors have replaced many of the cars and trucks inmates used to drive around the compound with supervisors in cars behind them.
There are random head counts now.
"At any time of the day, you do an emergency count," said Col. Edmonson. "Within 12-14 minutes, they need to be able to call me back and say we've accounted for all the inmates."
Troopers added procedural changes were made immediately upon the escape and continued to be revised as needed through the conclusion of the investigations. The following action was taken:
Security protocols at trusty work sites have been strengthened and standardized.
Access to vehicles and keys has been restricted.
Barrack privileges have been revised.
Trusty screening process has been reviewed.
Offender privileges have been revised.
Training provided to all individuals, civilian and commissioned officers who supervise trusties.
Proactive security assessments initiated.
The bus driver, who did not get the required head count, has been demoted. A barracks security officer was suspended and two civilians were reprimanded. Names have not been released just yet.
Pierce and Wedgeworth are at Angola facing a number of charges including the murder of David Cupps.
The body of David Michael Cupps of Sunbury, OH was found in Bessemer, AL. Investigators suspect Wedgeworth and Pierce carjacked and killed him in Vicksburg, MS while they were on the run.
They were captured in Memphis, TN on March 14.
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Darian Pierce
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