A guard accused of inadvertently helping two killers escape from a northern New York prison has pleaded not guilty to felony charges.
Authorities have said that Gene Palmer admitted providing Richard Matt and David Sweat with tools, paint, frozen hamburger and access to a catwalk electrical box at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, but that he never knew they planned to break out.
He was released on $25,000 bail in June after his arrest on charges of promoting prison contraband, tampering with evidence and official misconduct.
The Plattsburgh Press Republican reports that Palmer waived his right to have the case heard by a grand jury and entered the not guilty plea.
He is currently suspended from his job without pay.
Matt was shot and killed. Sweat was wounded and caught.
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