New York prison worker got ‘caught up’ in escape plot

Published 9:20 am Wednesday, July 29, 2015

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — A prison worker who got “caught up in the fantasy” of a prison escape told investigators her relationship with the two inmates included sex acts and naked photos.

Joyce Mitchell, an instructor in the tailor shop at the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York, pleaded guilty Tuesday to helping inmates Richard Matt and David Sweat escape in June.

In documents, Mitchell said once when she was alone with Matt he grabbed her and kissed her. She admitted performing a sex act with him and fondling him. She took naked photos of herself for Sweat.

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Matt was shot and killed by searchers June 26. Sweat was captured and sent to another prison.

Mitchell faces 2 1/3 to seven years in prison under a plea deal. Her sentencing is Sept. 28.