David Sweat sent back to maximum-security lockup
ALBANY, New York - David Sweat, the formerly escaped prisoner who was shot and captured last week after nearly a month on the run, has been discharged from the hospital and is now incarcerated in a maximum-security prison, officials said Sunday.
Sweat, the second of two convicted murderers who staged a brazen escape four weeks ago from a maximum-security prison in northern New York, was shot twice by New York State Police Sgt. Jay Cook before he was captured near the Canadian border last Sunday. His escape partner, Richard Matt, was shot and killed by officials during the manhunt on June 26.
Sweat had been staying at the Albany Medical Center, where he has been revealing details of his escape to authorities.
Police said he was moved overnight Sunday to Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, New York, which is hundreds of miles southwest of the facility he escaped from in Dannemora, the Clinton Correctional Facility.
In a statement, officials said Sweat is currently in the infirmary, where he will be evaluated before being transferred to "a single cell" in the facility's "23-hour confinement unit."
A suicide watch has been placed on Sweat as well, in a cell officials said is designed to "limit movement."
His capture ended a dramatic manhunt that began when Sweat and Matt cut holes in the walls of their adjoining cells, worked their way through a maze of catwalks and pipes and emerged from a manhole in the early hours of June 6 within sight of the prison walls. It was the first escape from the prison in more than 100 years.
Top prison officials have been placed on paid administrative leave. A New York state official told CBS News those prison executives include Superintendent Steven Racette, First Deputy Superintendent Donald Quinn and Deputy Superintendent for Security Stephen Brown.
Additionally, two prison workers have been arrested over the escape.
Prison guard Gene Palmer has been charged with promoting prison contraband, tampering with physical evidence and official misconduct. Palmer has waived his right to a preliminary hearing, clearing the way for potential grand jury action.
Joyce Mitchell pleaded not guilty June 15 to charges including felony promoting prison contraband.
Mitchell has been accused of having sexual relations with one of the prisoners. She allegedly was supposed to pick the duo up after they got out, but backed out at the last second. She's also accused of hatching a plot to murder her husband, Lyle Mitchell, who has refuted the claims.