Jail officers mistakenly release Vigo County inmate

ICN file photo

Shepherd/ Vigo Co. Jail

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A search is underway for a Vigo County Jail inmate who was erroneously set free nearly two weeks ago.

 The cell doors swung open for Gregg F. Shepherd,48, of Terre Haute, Sept. 5. Who was he to argue when  Jail personnel made such a blunder?

Shepherd was booked into the jail July 18 on a slew of charges that include criminal confinement, battery and theft.  Two additional warrants were issued for Shepherd’s arrest, remanding him back to the county jail. His last known address is 7123 S. Saginaw Place. ​

Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse explained today that Shepherd was released without a court order and should not have been permitted to go at that time.  Officials were made aware of the mistake discovered on Sept. 13.  

Surrounding law enforcement agencies have been notified with a request for assistance in locating Shepherd.
 
Meanwhile, a review of internal procedures on the release of inmates is ongoing.

"I have asked our team to review all internal procedures to determine how this error occurred and to train and implement procedures that will prevent such a premature detainee release in the future," Plasse said.