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An inmate at the Hays County Jail was mistakenly released Thursday evening before being found at a nearby restaurant less than an hour later.
The inmate, Shaun Haenes, 41, was returned to the Hays County Jail at approximately 9:37 p.m. after Hays County Sheriff’s Deputies and San Marcos Police officers were dispatched around 8:43 p.m.
“Upon a subsequent investigation, it was discovered that for the past several days, Haenes had conspired with another cellmate to exchange identities and then bond out of jail posing as the Cellmate,” a press release from the Hays County Sheriff's Office stated. “On this date, bond had been posted for the cellmate and Haenes, under the assumed identity, was removed from his jail cell to begin his out processing paperwork. One of the corrections officer failed to follow proper inmate release procedures that would have exposed Haenes, therefore, allowing Haenes to leave the jail.”
Officials say Haenes was originally in the Hays County Jail for various charges including Fail to ID/Fugitive, Unlawful carrying of a weapon, several drug charges, and a hold for the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office who had outstanding warrants for a bond forfeiture/Fraud, a state jail felony.
Following Haenes’ escape, he was charged with 4 counts of Tampering with a Government Record, a 3rd degree felony, Fail to ID/Fugitive with Intent to give False Information, a Class A misdemeanor, and Escape while Arrested/Confined, a 3rd degree felony, officials said.
Haenes was magistrated on Nov. 15 by Justice of the Peace Pct 1-1 Joann Prado who issued $3,000 bonds for each of the additional felony and misdemeanor charges, a press release stated.
Due to the ongoing investigation, officials say more information will be released when it becomes available.
Individuals who have information regarding the case are asked to contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896 and speak with the Criminal Investigations Division or contact the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477).
