WCDO Radio News

Former Clinton County Correctional Facility Guard Gene Palmer pleaded guilty in court on today to Promoting prison contraband and official misconduct, for smuggling tools to Richard Matt & David Sweat last year, prior to their escape from jail & a 3 week long manhunt. Palmer was sentenced him to 6 months in jail and he was fine $5,000, and was forced to resign his position. Matt was shot and killed by State Police, Sweat was wounded and apprehended by police and has been sent to a different jail to serve out his term for killing Broome County Sheriffs deputy Kevin Tarsia in 2002.

David Sweat has been ordered to pay restitution of more than $79,000 & was sentenced to 3 1/2 to 7 years additional prison time for the escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility last year, along with Richard Matt. Both Matt & Sweat were on the run for 22 days last June, Matt was fatlly shot by Police on June 26th, Sweat was shot 2 days later and was captured after 22 days on the run. Sweat was originally sentenced to life in prison for murdering Broome County Deputy Kevin Tarsia in 2002.