Man given $100 to help prisoner escape

LEXINGTON, Okla. (KFOR) — An Oklahoma prison is back in the headlines again just a few weeks after a former deputy warden was accused of smuggling in contraband. This time, two people are locked up and accused of helping a prisoner escape.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections confirmed an inmate walked out of the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center on May 25.

Court papers reveal Stephen Williams allegedly drove from Tulsa to pick up inmate, Terry Landrum, who was locked up on charges including burglary.

It also later said Williams, who was the getaway driver, was paid $100 to get the escapee.

Prosecutors said the two knew each other from a previous stint in prison together.

In the affidavit, a Cleveland County Sheriff's Deputy said he found their car about a half mile away from the prison after it allegedly broke down on the side of the road.

The court papers explain Williams tried to hide in front of the car while the hood was up. Landrum hid in the backseat of the car.

Aumunique Cozart was also in the car. The court papers showed she admitted to riding in the car from Tulsa.

Things didn't end there according to the affidavit.

During the arrest, deputies said they found multiple containers of marijuana in the car, including a blunt and oils.

The escape comes a few weeks after former deputy warden, Tasha Parker, was arrested for smuggling contraband inside.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections sent a statement:

I can confirm that an inmate attempted to walk away from Lexington Assessment and Reception Center on May 25 but was quickly apprehended. ODOC’s mission is to protect the public, and the agency works diligently to ensure bad actors are held accountable when they endanger public safety. Recent events at LARC have shown ODOC’s commitment to removing and remediating operational and personnel issues. As always, we strive to be good community partners and protect our staff and those in our care.

Public Relations Department, ODOC

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office said Landrum is back in prison.

Williams and Cozart, who are accused of helping him escape, face several charges including conspiracy to commit a felony and harboring a fugitive.

Williams is also facing charges like possession of controlled substance and assisting a prisoner to escape.