Ex-Con Connected to Ind. Escapees Back in Jail

Authorities arrested a recently paroled ex-con with connections to the three inmates who escaped from a Michigan City, Ind. prison, according to the Tribune.

Convicted murderer Paul Komyatti Jr., was gambling at a casino near the prison on July 10. The prisoners - convicted murderers Mark Booher, 46, Charles Smith, 49, and convicted rapist Lance Battreal, 45 - made their escape through the prison's utility pipes July 12.

The trip to Michigan City violated Komyatti’s parole and has investigators wondering if the ex-con had any connection to the escape. He admits to knowing the escapees, but denies being their friend or contacting them post-escape, the report said.

Komyatti, who only has a learner's driving permit, said he left Indianapolis about 5 p.m. July 10, traveling alone. He told officials that he returned home about 3:30 a.m. the next day, a Saturday.

Komyatti was arrested for two counts of parole violation, “unauthorized travel from his Indianapolis parole district and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.”

Although Smith was captured Monday morning at Mayor Richard M. Daley's vacation home, Booher and Battreal are still at large.

[Trib]