ORANGE, Fla. — A man involved in an elaborate Florida prison escape has been working with investigators for years to build a case against his co-defendants.
A psychologist decided last week that Joseph Jenkins was fit for trial, and he pleaded no contest in court on Thursday.
Jenkins was sentenced to five years in prison, but he’s already serving a life sentence.
He admitted Thursday court that he was part of a crime ring that made fake release papers, forged judge’s signatures and then filed them at the courthouse while the prisoners waited for the guards to let them out.
Jenkins’ mental capacity came up again Thursday, less than a week after he became confused about who was on which side in his impending trial.
“It’s my opinion that he understands what he’s accused of having done, and is capable of understanding any of the elements of his case,” said Dr. Daniel Tressler.
In court Thursday, prosecutors detailed the entire scheme alleged to have played out in 2013.
In an unusual twist compared to a typical criminal case, Central Florida Judge Belvin Perry and others in the legal community are counted as victims, by virtue of having had their signatures forged onto the documents that ultimately released Jenkins and another man from prison.
In all, six defendants are alleged to have taken part in the fraud.
“Based upon those orders, Mr. Jenkins was released from prison, and remained at liberty for 23 days until he was captured,” said Assistant State Attorney Ryan Vescio.
Jenkins joined Jeffrey Forbes, who admitted his involvement last December and agreed to testify against the others.
Forbes is now trying to withdraw that plea, but he signed away his right to do so when he took the deal.
“I do believe that if there is a trial, Mr. Jenkins will be called as a witness,” Vescio said.
Jenkins, on the other hand, has made no promise to testify.
Two more defendants are scheduled to be in court next week.
Lawyers said last week, that there would be no plea bargains in those cases.
Attorney's argue accused prison escapee unfit to stand trial
Updated: ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - As the man accused of using forged court documents in an elaborate prison escape continue to fight their charges, a new judge is pushing to take the cases to trial. Investigators have said fake documents, made with Orange County judges' signatures, helped Joseph Jenkins and Charles Walker walk out of prison in 2013.
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