A detention center deputy in Monroe County is finding himself behind bars after allegedly offering to help an inmate escape in exchange for cash.
50-year-old Elizardo Ortueta was arrested Thursday on charges that he offered Albert Vizcaino Gonzalez, in jail for drug trafficking charges, help in escaping. The two reportedly knew each other before Ortueta took a job with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest report also says Ortueta provided fitness related supplements, included a suspected steroid, that were found in the inmate’s cell during a search.
During an interview, the inmate told investigators that Ortueta asked for $50,000 to continue the preferential treatment, saying he was in credit card debt and needed money for home repairs. Later, Ortueta allegedly said he would help in an escape attempt for a payment of $400,000.
Deputies set up a sting operation, arresting Ortueta during a meeting with a confidential source who provided $150,000 with the rest to be paid after the escape. He was charged with multiple counts and was fired from the department immediately.
