A prison guard charged in connection with the escape of David Sweat and Richard Matt admitted to providing them with tools, paint, frozen hamburger and access to a catwalk electrical box. But Gene Palmer told authorities he didn’t know the inmates planned to break out. In a signed statement, Palmer admitted to providing Matt with paint and paintbrushes. He said he provided Sweat with needle-nose pliers and a screwdriver on a few occasions. He said he gave Sweat access to the catwalk later used in the escape to change the wiring on electrical boxes as “a favor” to make it easier for them to cook in their cells. In exchange, Palmer was provided information on illegal acts of other prisoners in the facility. Based on Palmer’s statements and a polygraph test, investigators have no reason to believe he was knowingly involved in the escape. As the search for the two convicts enters its 21st day, about 1,100 law enforcement officers took part in the search, which focused on a 75-square-mile area dominated by heavy woods.
