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Florida Jail Employee Faces Felony for Escape During Barbecue

3/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hartley Elliot Sanchez, 26, faces a felony escape charge after leaving his duties at a Florida jail barbecue on March 4, 2023.
Surveillance footage shows Sanchez departing to a portable toilet with a former inmate, where he admitted to having sex.
He encouraged deputies to review the video, leading to his charge under Florida Statute 944.40.
Authorities state that leaving an assigned area can be classified as an escape attempt, and Sanchez is currently held without bond.

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Story summary

Hartley Elliot Sanchez, 26, faces a felony escape charge after leaving his duties at a Florida jail barbecue on March 4, 2023.
Surveillance footage shows Sanchez departing to a portable toilet with a former inmate, where he admitted to having sex.
He encouraged deputies to review the video, leading to his charge under Florida Statute 944.40.
Authorities state that leaving an assigned area can be classified as an escape attempt, and Sanchez is currently held without bond.