Police in Texas are asking for the public’s help in locating an inmate who was “mistakenly released” from jail.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), 36-year-old Troy Dugas was released at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, despite being scheduled to serve time for multiple convictions.
“Dugas was due to begin serving a 5-year state prison sentence for assaulting a family member in Fort Bend County and a 2-year sentence for evading arrest in Brazoria County,” the HCSO said in a Facebook statement on Monday, Aug. 18.
Dugas is described as a Black male, 6’1” tall, weighing around 215 pounds.
The sheriff’s office explained that Dugas had been in custody since Thursday, Aug. 14, on unrelated charges that were later dropped. Jail staff, however, failed to properly record his pending state prison sentence and mistakenly believed he was eligible for release.
“A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to Dugas’ erroneous release from jail,” the HCSO added.
Authorities are urging anyone who spots Dugas to call 911 immediately.
