Prisoner Escapes, Buys Ciggies But Returns to Cell
A convicted burglar slipped out of his prison unit to buy cigarettes, then returned unnoticed a short time later, authorities said, leading to a contraband search and further criticism of Texas prison security.
“It might be funny, if it weren’t so absurd. People shopping at a Walmart shouldn’t have to worry that the person standing next to them in line is supposed to be in a prison.” said state Senator of Houston.
Authorities used security video from a Walmart to confirm that Skyler Steddum was at the store. Steddum returned unnoticed to the fenceless trusty unit.
Steddum slipped out on Feb. 23. Investigators did not learn of his quick trip, allegedly one of dozens made by Steddum in recent months, until Friday night when another inmate snitched on him.
“He bought smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. I don’t know how much,” Moriarity said.
Steddum is serving four years for home burglary and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
“The fact that Walmart has better security cameras than our prisons, well, this whole situation begs a whole lot of questions,” the senator said.