Shared name led to mistaken inmate release

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - February 22, 2009 Corrections commissioner Carl Danberg said the two inmates shared the same first and last names, but had different middle initials.

Danberg said the release process has multiple checks and the mistake should have been caught. The commissioner says in internal investigation is being conducted.

The inmate, 40-year-old Charles Thomas, was mistakenly released Friday from the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington. Corrections officials say he was recaptured about 1 p.m. Saturday in the Rodney Square area of Wilmington.

State Police said Thomas was awaiting trial on firearms and robbery charges.

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Information from: The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal, http://www.delawareonline.com

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