Gene Palmer, 57, was charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, Class E felonies, and one count of official misconduct, a Class A Misdemeanor. He was arraigned late Wednesday night in Plattsburgh Town Court.
The arrest is the result of the ongoing investigation into the escape of inmates David Sweat, 34, and Richard Matt, 48.
Palmer reportedly did not inspect ground beef entering the prison with a metal detector. The ground beef reportedly contained blades used by the murderers in their escape. He was placed on administrative leave over his possible role in the escape of two convicted murderers late last week.
Palmer also allegedly provided the escapees with a screwdriver and wrench, according to a report by CNN.
The tampering chargers stem from charges that Palmer destroyed or attempted to destroy paintings given to him by Matt and Sweat, said Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie.
Bail was set at $25,000 cash and $50,000 bond. Palmer is scheduled to return to court Thursday afternoon.
Palmer worked at the prison for 27 years. His attorney said Palmer will plead not guilty to the charges.
Joyce Mitchell was the first prison worker to be charged.
Mitchell, 51, who worked as a seamstress at the prison, allegedly provided hacksaw blades, drill bits and lighted eyeglasses to Matt and Sweat.
Mitchell has been charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a class D felony, and criminal facilitation in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, state police said in a statement.
Mitchell also may have planned on picking up the escaped prisoners Saturday, but instead went to the hospital at the time of the escape, complaining of panic attacks.
Authorities believe that after a hasty exit from a hunting cabin about 25 miles west of the prison on Saturday, Matt and Sweat continue to be on the run together.
More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from state, local and federal agencies are involved in this search,
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