New York--A female employee at a maximum-security prison in New York state smuggled tools to two convicted killers before their dramatic escape, officials said, as police massively stepped up their week-long manhunt Friday.
Swarms of state, local and federal agents combed thick woods east of the Clinton Correctional Facility, which Richard Matt, 49, and David Sweat, 35, busted out of -- using power tools to cut their way to freedom.
Investigators have focused on who helped Matt, who was convicted of dismembering his 76-year-old former boss, and Sweat, who shot dead a sheriff's deputy.
Joyce Mitchell, who worked at a tailoring shop at the sprawling prison, "provided some form of equipment or tools" that allowed the two murderers to escape, the Clinton County district attorney said.
"There is information as far as contraband that she did provide to both Matt and Sweat," Andrew Wylie told CNN.
US media reported that her husband, another prison employee, was also being investigated for possible involvement in a search that has captivated America.
Hacksaw blades, drill bits and two pairs of spectacles with attached lights were among the items Mitchell, 51, allegedly gave the convicts, CNN quoted two unnamed law enforcement sources as saying.
Wylie refused to give details on what she supplied, but told CNN that Mitchell appeared to feel "some guilt."
"Each day we're learning a little bit more information as to her involvement in this case and how she built a relationship with these two men," he said.
Officials have suggested that Mitchell may have been charmed by Matt and Sweat, and agreed to pick them up by car from the manhole where they emerged last Saturday.
Instead, she changed her mind and checked into a hospital -- reportedly suffering from a panic attack.
Mitchell has been questioned daily and is cooperating, but has not yet been charged. Wylie told CNN that he intended to press charges at the conclusion of the investigation. CNN reported she would be arraigned later Friday.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Mitchell had also been under investigation in the last year for allegedly forming a relationship with Sweat while they worked together in the prison tailoring shop.
There was not enough evidence to take action, but Sweat was pulled out of the shop, the newspaper reported.
AFP
