Inmate accused of failing to return after furlough

The chief judge in Otero County is being criticized for furloughing a criminal who had a history of running from authorities.

Police say the furlough allowed the inmate to escape and elude authorities for eight more months and he committed more crimes.

According to KCNC-TV, Johnny Nunez was released on furlough in April after he asked Otero County Chief Judge Mark MacDonnell for time to say goodbye to his family before he was sentenced on charges of eluding a police officer. Authorities say he failed to return for sentencing and they finally arrested him again in December on charges of felony menacing.

Otero County District Attorney Jim Bullock says the inmate should never have been released. The judge refused comment.