By CARRIE STAMBAUGH - The Independent
ASHLAND — Three Boyd County Detention Center inmates may end up serving up to 10 additional years in the jail for attempting to escape last week.
Richard Pauley Jr., 26, of Ashland; Timothy Tussey, 23, of Ashland and Bradford Cordle, 38, of Catlettsburg have all been charged with one count each of second-degree escape and criminal mischief for the botched attempt that took place on Friday.
Catlettsburg Police Department Patrolman Terry Clark said both charges are Class D felonies that carry up to five years in prison. The men could also face additional persistent felony charges, he said.
Boyd County Jailer Joe Burchett said the men managed to pry open a pipe chase and gain access to the inner bowels of the building.
Fortunately, other inmates housed in the same cell reported the activity to authorities who were able to capture the men before they caused additional damage to the internal structure of the jail.
Clark said the men were found inside the walls of the jail between what he called the inner roof and outer roof structures. The men were trying to get access to pipe openings, which were reinforced with rebar, he said.
“They never even got to see air or nothing,” said Burchett, who added even if the men had reached the openings “there was no way they could get out.”
Burchett said the jail is still assessing the damage but have put new locks on the pipe chase access and are looking into additional security measures to prevent another attempt.
He said jail officials are constantly trying to stay one step ahead of inmates who “are 24/7 back there trying to get something on us.”
Clark said CPD is continuing to investigate. Damage to the facility is being estimated at $1,000 but could increase. “We’re not really sure yet until we get someone up there and look to see what needs to be done to bring it back up to standards,” he said.
Initial reports suggested up to six inmates of the 13 being held in the cell from which the escape attempt took place may have been involved, but evidence and statements only supported the involvement of Pauley, Tussey and Cordle, according to Clark.
No inmates are being housed in the damaged cell, he said.
According to jail records, all three men were in jail for prior felony offenses when they attempted to escape.
Pauley has been incarcerated since Oct. 20 on a slew of felony charges including multiple charges of driving under the influence, first-degree wanton endangerment, fleeing and evading police both on foot and in a motor vehicle and reckless driving. Other charges include trafficking in a controlled substance and being a persistent felony offender. He is being held on a combined $85,000 cash bond.
Tussey has been incarcerated since Dec. 17. According to detention center records, he was serving a sentence for a conviction on theft charges when Friday’s escape attempt occurred. Tussey is also facing charges he violated his probation.
Cordle has been at the facility since Jan. 27. In addition to the new charges, he is being held on charges of careless driving, DUI, fleeing and evading as well as a probation violation.
