Questions remain on how inmate escaped from Galveston County jail

GALVESTON COUNTY (KTRK) -- Jail officials are trying to figure out why an inmate who was granted bond would allow another inmate to use his identity to get out of jail.

Accused bank robber Alex Washington is once again behind bars in the Galveston County jail after he escaped Sunday by swapping identification wristbands with another inmate who was eligible for bond.

Two women were detained and questioned for paying a bail bondsman to secure Washington's release, but no charges have been filed.

Captain Kevin Walker is in charge of the jail. He says his employees do not fingerprint inmates as they're being released. Deputies are supposed to make sure the picture on the ID wristband matches the person standing in front of them.

"The releasing process is, uh, the releasing deputy will try to identify you through the information we have on file," Walker said. "And once that takes place, the bond is verified."

Walker said Washington and the inmate he allegedly pretended to be look alike.

"Their body structure is similar, skin tone, hair style is very similar," Walker said. "That's how he was able to execute his release."

Area bail bondsmen who heard this story find it hard to believe. Edward Nichols works at Gulf Coast Bail Bonds.

"I don't know how this happens, I guess mistakes happen everywhere, everybody makes them," Nichols said. "I know it's been busy this weekend, the amount of people that went to jail. Not saying that's an excuse."

Washington was in jail on a bank robbery charge, and the inmate who allegedly gave Washington his ID band was charged with stealing the identities of 5-10 people.

"We're currently looking at measures to add to what we have to prevent this from happening again," Walker said.

Investigators said more charges are likely.