Inmate Was Being Released, But Then Guards Found His Weapon, Sheriff Says

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — An inmate at the Putnam County Jail was almost out the door when guards made a discovery that changed everything.

Putnam County Acting Sheriff Brian Hess reported the arrest of the inmate in the correctional facility for possessing a weapon.

On September 5, sheriff's investigators were told by corrections staff that while they were in the process of gathering the belongings of the inmate pending his release, they found an item that could be used to harm someone and is prohibited in the facility.

The item appeared to have been made by the inmate while he was in the jail.

Investigators charged 32-year-old Billy Batalla-Fuentes, of Patterson,with felony promoting prison contraband.

He was arraigned in the Town of Carmel Court and released on his own recognizance to appear at a future court date, according to the sheriff's department.