Inmate back in custody after being mistakenly released, BCSO says

Erica Morales, 32, was released due to error by booking staff

SAN ANTONIO – An inmate who was mistakenly released by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office is back in custody as of late Thursday night, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

KSAT has reported on at least 12 erroneous releases of inmates from the Bexar County jail in 2019.

Erica Morales, 32, was originally arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and was released around 7 p.m. Thursday due to an error by the booking staff.

The press release said shortly thereafter search protocols were initiated and deputies began checking multiple addresses associated with Morales.

RELATED: Another improper inmate release prompts another internal affairs investigation

Around 11 p.m. deputies initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Commerce Street and Comal Street and was able to take Morales back into custody without incident, the BCSO said.

That intersection is at the southwest corner of the jail Morales was erroneously released from hours earlier.

Authorities say it appears that incorrect bond documents were attached to Morales' information packet leading up to the release.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards was notified of the mistaken release and BCSO Internal Affairs has begun an administrative investigation into the incident, according to the sheriff's office.

See a timeline of incidents at the jail below.


About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Emmy-award winning reporter Dillon Collier joined KSAT Investigates in September 2016. Dillon's investigative stories air weeknights on the Nightbeat and on the Six O'Clock News. Dillon is a two-time Houston Press Club Journalist of the Year and a Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Reporter of the Year.