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Hillsborough Jail Supervisor Reinstated After Escape

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 11, 2008

Raymond Marston

TAMPA - Lt. Michael Farrier, who was suspended following the escape of a Falkenburg Road Jail inmate last month, has been reinstated to administrative duties, Col. Jim Previtera said today.

Deputy James Flagg, who reports to Farrier, remains suspended without pay.

After a search that lasted nearly a week, deputies found escaped inmate Raymond Marston on Oct. 30 hiding near the same bridge where authorities say he raped a woman in May.

Marston, 50, escaped from Falkenburg Road Jail as he was being escorted to a medical clinic. Flagg had left Marston to call and see where the escort deputy was, and when Flagg returned, Marston was gone.

Farrier and Flagg initially were suspended at Sheriff David Gee's discretion. An investigation into the escape is ongoing, Previtera said.

Flagg has been a sheriff's office employee since April 2006.

A tip from two homeless brothers who frequently camp out under the bridge at Sheldon and Mohr roads led deputies to Marston. He had been in jail since May 27 on charges including sexual battery, kidnapping, robbery and aggravated battery.

On Oct. 30, he was booked in to Orient Road Jail on an additional charge of escape from confinement. Marston is now identified as an escape risk, jail records show.

Marston was unavailable to comment today.

Editor's note: Earlier versions of this report contained an error. Lt. Michael Farrier has been with the sheriff's office since October 1994.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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