New York---A married woman smuggled contraband into a maximum-security New York prison for two convicted killers who cut their way to freedom from the jail a week ago, a prosecutor said Friday.
Joyce Mitchell "provided some form of equipment or tools" to Richard Matt, 49, and David Sweat, 35, before they escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility, Andrew Wylie, Clinton County District Attorney, told CNN.
The investigation has focused on how the murderers -- one of whom dismembered his former 76-year-old boss and the other who shot dead a sheriff's deputy -- acquired the power tools used to cut their way to freedom.
Hacksaw blades, two pairs of spectacles with attached lights and drill bits were among the items Mitchell allegedly gave the convicts, CNN quoted two unnamed law enforcement sources as saying.
"I'm not going to get into the details of exactly what she brought into the facility," Wylie told MSNBC. "But to confirm, she has not brought power tools into the facility based on our investigation."
US media had reported that the married mother may have been seduced by Matt, and allegedly agreed to pick the two escapees up with a car, before changing her mind and being admitted to hospital with a panic attack.
Mitchell has been questioned almost daily and is cooperating, but has not yet been charged, Wylie said, although he told CNN that he was considering accessory and contraband charges.
The Wall Street Journal reported that prison officials also investigated in the last 12 months whether Mitchell formed a relationship with Sweat while working together in a prison tailoring shop.
The report found not enough evidence to take action against Mitchell, but Sweat was pulled out of the tailoring shop, the newspaper reported.
District schools remained closed for a second day Friday as hundreds of police combed thick woods and swamps around the prison following reports that dogs had picked up a scent.
CNN and ABC News said dogs picked up a scent about three miles (five kilometers) from the prison. A footprint and food wrappers were found at a spot where the men could have bedded down, CNN said.
State police refused to comment on specifics, telling reporters that they were wary of giving the two murderers any tips, should they be holed up watching the news on television.
AFP
