Ohio conducting prison-wide review of inmate count system

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state is reviewing its system for counting inmates at all Ohio prisons after the brief escape of a convicted murderer in March.

The “Back-2-Basics” analysis will look at how counting procedures are put into practice by staff in the field and correct areas of concern.

Inmate John Modie is facing an escape charge after his 24-hour disappearance from the Hocking Unit of the Southeastern Correctional Complex in Nelsonville on March 27.

A report released today says Modie climbed onto the roof of a prison building about 4 p.m. and waited until darkness to escape. Prison documents say guards failed to account for Modie at a 9 p.m. head count.

Modie was accused of beating a Cleveland woman to death in 2002.