El Paso, TX (KFOX14/CBS4) — An inmate at the El Paso County Jail Annex was held for nearly two weeks longer than his sentence due to a clerical error, authorities have confirmed.
Andrew Garcia, who was arrested in June for marijuana possession and sentenced to 180 days, reached out to KFOX14 on Dec. 15, stating he was still in jail despite completing his sentence on Dec. 3.
Garcia, through his wife Jessica Garcia, expressed frustration, saying, “We have no answers whatsoever. I’m currently at 193 days on a 180-day sentence. At this point me and my family don’t know what else to do anymore, especially with the holidays coming up around the corner! It’s been so stressful and depressing.”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the error, stating, “Our review confirms that the Judgment received from Criminal District Court #1 did not include Credit for Time Served (CFTS), which is required to accurately calculate an inmate’s release date.”
They added that they were awaiting corrected documentation to resolve the matter swiftly.
Shortly after releasing their statement, the sheriff’s office confirmed that a judge had signed a release order, and the jail was notified to expedite Garcia’s release.
The case raises broader questions about how the error occurred and whether similar cases could be affected.
Efforts to speak with Garcia, his family, or his attorney have been unsuccessful.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine if this was an isolated incident.
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