The inmate that was mistakenly released and escaped from the Richland County Jail, Sept. 4th, has been apprehended. Cornelius Phillips was arrested in Huntsville, Alabama Tuesday evening along with his accomplice, Dasia Crutcher, by the United States Marshals Service.
The Sheriff’s Office issued nationwide warrants for Cornelius Joseph Phillips for escape, a second degree felony, Dasia Crutcher and Checkiah E. Washington Jr. for Escape/Complicity a second degree felony. Washington was arrested on Sept 10th and is being held in the Richland County Jail on a $50,000 Cash Bond.
U.S. Marshals executed a search warrant at a residence In Huntsville. Phillips and Crutcher barricaded themselves inside. Both were arrested without incident. Phillips and Crutcher will be returned to the Richland County Jail.
Sheriff Sheldon praised the U.S. Marshals for aggressively working on the apprehension of these dangerous fugitives.
The two correctional officers and a correctional sergeant remain on administrative leave over the incident as the internal investigation concludes. A pre-disciplinary hearing is scheduled for the employees on Sept 24th.