Clerical error led to mistaken release of inmate; officials say he will return to DOC custody

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A clerical error in court records led to the mistaken release of an inmate earlier this week, according to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Derick Wheetley said the error occurred in Cape Girardeau County court records following Jack Pruitt’s sentencing in the mid-2000s, when his case was handled under a change of venue. The records incorrectly indicated Pruitt was eligible for parole, despite being sentenced to life without parole.

As a result, Pruitt was released from the Missouri Department of Corrections under the belief he was eligible. However, officials said he remained in custody due to a separate one-year county sentence.

Authorities said Pruitt will be returned to the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections to serve the remainder of his life sentence without parole as originally ordered.

The sheriff’s office said it has coordinated with the Department of Corrections and the Division of Probation and Parole to address the issue.

Officials emphasized there was no known risk to the public and said steps are being taken to prevent similar errors in the future.