Inmates charged with aiding in escape

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - An investigation revealed an inmate who escaped from the Hampton Correctional Facility didn't do it on his own, according to deputies.

The Hampton Sheriff's Office says Michael Stanback was helped by three other inmates, who are now facing charges.

Wednesday, the Sheriff's Office also revealed the timeline of the September 25 escape.

According to Lt. Alonzo Cherry, Stanback escaped during an hour-long recreation period that began at 3 p.m. When recreation time ended, the floor deputy reportedly gave an incorrect inmate headcount, which breached the security system, Lt. Cherry said.

At 4:45 p.m., a floor deputy monitoring Stanback's cell block also did not notice he was missing, again breaking the security system. It wasn't until the 7 p.m. shift change, during a standing headcount, when Stanback's disappearance was noted. At that time, the facility was placed on lockdown and the Chief Deputy was notified of the escape.

Two days later, the Sheriff's Office received a tip that Stanback was spotted at a local restaurant. The Hampton Police Division followed up on the tip and took Stanback into custody at a home on Reed Street. Stanback was serving a 14-year sentence for armed robbery and now also faces an escape charge.

During a jailhouse interview, Stanback told WAVY.com he escaped by climbing over the brick wall and barbed wire in the recreation yard.

Video: Full jailhouse interview with Stanback

On Monday, Oct. 1, fellow inmates Tyshaun Baker, William Stanley III and John Lewis Jr. were each arraigned on a charge of aid prisoner escape. They will be in court on this charge in November.

The Hampton Sheriff's Office (HSO) says it has changed its procedures to make the Hampton Correctional Facility more secure. HSO has implemented a standing headcount during recreation. The facility is also going to get reinforced security wire with motion sensors around the recreation yard.