Three Atlantic County inmates already jailed are facing additional charges after they were allegedly found with a shanke inside a holding cell while awaiting court Monday.
Inmates Terrell Caldwell and Marahd Townsene appeared to exchange the "improvised knife" while in a temporary holding cell at the Atlantic County Criminal Courthouse in Mays Landing, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by BreakingAC.
Sheriff's Office Roxenne Trejo saw the shank drop, and then another inmate try to step on it in an attempt to conceal it, according to the charges.
Victor Martinez, 55, who was being sentenced under a plea agreement in three unrelated cases, is now charged with fourth-degree tampering with evidence.
Caldwell and Townsene are charged with tampering, along with a second-degree charge each of escape implements/provide inmate with a tool to escape and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Caldwell, 31, has been jailed since March 24, 2023, on charges out of Egg Harbor Township related to gun possession and a drug-manufacturing facility, court records show.
Townsene — whose name also has been listed as Townsend — was arrested last May, after the now-19-year-old and several other teens allegedly fled after brandishing a gun in Atlantic City. He was the driver, police said at the time.
"Officer Trejo did an amazing job and observation," Sheriff Joseph O'Donoghue told BreakingAC.
