WATCH: David Sweat, the convicted killer who escaped from a New York prison, feels he has nothing to lose and is spilling the details of his brazen escape. Aarti Pole reports.
ALBANY, N.Y. – Twelve more staffers at the New York prison where two killers escaped three weeks ago have been put on administrative leave, including the prison’s superintendent and his deputy in charge of security, officials said Tuesday.
A state official who had been briefed on the matter told The Associated Press that Clinton Correctional Facility Superintendent Steven Racette and Deputy Superintendent Stephen Brown are among those on leave. The official wasn’t authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said the suspensions are part of the ongoing review of the June 6 escape by convicted murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat. Matt was killed Friday and Sweat wounded and captured Sunday a short run from the Canadian border.
READ MORE: N.Y. prison escapees planned to go to Mexico, headed toward Canada when ride backed out
Sweat on Monday started talking and sharing details of the breakout, saying he and Matt had planned to go to Mexico but headed toward Canada on foot when their getaway driver didn’t show up.
The department did not identify the suspended staff. Assistant Commissioner James O’Gorman will oversee the facility temporarily.
Two other staffers, a corrections officer and civilian employee, had been put on leave earlier and now face criminal charges and are accused of helping the escapees.
The additional suspensions come as attention turns to a wide-ranging probe of the maximum-security prison in Dannemora, where Matt and Sweat used power tools to cut holes in their cells and a steam pipe on their way under the walls to a manhole outside.
READ MORE: 2nd escaped N.Y. prisoner, shot and captured by police near Canadian border
Soon after the breakout, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott to investigate factors that could have led to the escape.
The inspector general’s investigation is separate from the criminal investigation. Any criminal activity uncovered by the inspector general will be referred to prosecutors.
Prosecutors have previously said prison tailor shop employee Joyce Mitchell got close to the men and agreed to be their getaway driver but backed out because she felt guilty. Authorities also have said they discussed killing Mitchell’s husband.
READ MORE: Officers hunt for escaped NY prisoner near Quebec border
Mitchell has pleaded not guilty to charges including felony promoting prison contraband.
Corrections officer Gene Palmer is charged with promoting prison contraband, tampering with physical evidence and official misconduct. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Monday, clearing the way for potential grand jury action.
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Associated Press writers Michael Hill in Albany, New York, and Michael Balsamo in Plattsburgh, New York, contributed to this report.
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