Another TDCJ employee fired over inmate escape

HOUSTON Investigators are checking workers at the Estelle Unit near Huntsville. Inmate /*Arcade Comeaux*/ had been in a wheelchair, but was able to walk off during his escape. Investigators are trying to determine how many corrections officers may have been involved with last month's escape.

Correctional Officer Cynthia Allen, 45, was recommended for dismissal for allegedly establishing a relationship with an offender. During the investigation into the escape of Comeaux, Allen admitted she had placed several phone calls to Comeaux's ex-wife at his request.

The exact details of those conversations are not being released pending the results of an investigation. Allen had been employed by TDCJ for only 10 months. Our attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful.

Allen is the fifth TDCJ worker no longer employed due to Comeaux's escape. Two guards were already fired for Comeaux's escape. The TDCJ released of Monte Henson and Michael Price earlier this month. Two other corrections officers, who were transporting Comeaux at the time of his escape, retired.