Security breach blamed for jail escape

David Freeman


SAGUACHE— According to a press release from the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office, two inmates at the Saguache County Jail escaped Dec. 20 at 11 p.m. but were later recaptured by the Monte Vista Police Department and a Saguache County Detention officer.
The sheriff’s office attributed the jail break to a security breach.
Colorado State Patrol and the Department of Wildlife assisted the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office in searching for the escaped inmates. The search was mainly centered in the town of Saguache.
Christopher Archuleta, on a courtesy hold for Alamosa where he is charged with forgery, was apprehended by Monte Vista Police at midnight Dec. 20
Crestone resident David Freeman, 60, was booked into the Saguache County Jail on charges of second-degree kidnapping and enticement of a child, sexual assault or robbery of a child, sex assault of a child by someone in a position of trust, sex assault of a child under 15 years of age by someone in a position of trust, sexual assault on a child between 15-18 years of age  by someone in a position of trust, sexual assault of a child, pattern of abuse and witness/victim intimidation.
Freeman left the state with a 12-year-old male juvenile June 23, prompting an AMBER alert and nationwide search for the boy. The male juvenile was located with Freeman at a reservoir near the town of Panguitch, Utah on June 25.
Freeman was recaptured Dec. 21 at 7:20 a.m. by a Saguache County Detention Officer. Both men were advised of the charges against them Dec. 26. Escape from a detention facility is a Class 4 Felony.  
Sheriff Dan Warwick said Friday the escape happened owing to a security breach, when a jail employee forgot to lock a door behind him after transporting inmates. In newer jails, doors lock automatically behind jail employees when they close, Warwick said.
Saguache County has been requesting funds from commissioners to build a new jail for the past several years.
Saguache County’s Jail is the second-oldest in the state.
While this is the fourth inmate escape this year, all four escapees have been captured within a short period of time. Jail Capt. Ken Wilson says once funds can be accessed from the recently passed 1.5 percent sales tax, temporary measures can be taken to help prevent the escapes.