VERO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — What was supposed to be a routine jail barbecue assignment turned into a not-so-great escape plan for one Indian River County inmate.
According to an arrest report, 26-year-old Hartley Elliot Sanchez is now facing a felony charge of prisoner escape or attempt to escape after deputies say he wandered off during a jail event and ended up inside a portable toilet with a woman.
Sanchez, listed as an unsentenced trustee, had been assigned to help serve food at a jail BBQ when things took a detour, deputies wrote in their report.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators reportedly shows Sanchez leaving his food-serving duties, walking behind a boat display near the port-a-potties, and speaking with two women.
One of the women is seen entering a portable toilet, and moments later, Sanchez is observed going inside after checking to see if anyone was watching, according to the report.
A short time later, both exited separately.
When questioned, Sanchez allegedly admitted to having sex with the woman in the port-a-potty, and even told deputies to “look at the video,” according to the report.
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Investigators later identified the woman as a former inmate after reviewing camera footage and comparing it to booking photos, deputies wrote.
Sanchez has now been charged with one count of prisoner escape or attempted escape under Florida Statute 944.40 and is being held without bond.
While this may not have been a Hollywood-style jailbreak, authorities say leaving an assigned work area while in custody — even briefly — can qualify as an escape attempt under Florida law.
Moral of the story: If you’re assigned to the food line at a jail BBQ, stick to the burgers.