Corrections deputies with the Clallam County jail inadvertently released a man charged with domestic violence Sept. 4.
Chief Corrections Deputy Ron Sukert said at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies released 35-year-old Lavan A. Lukes from custody.
"We own this," Sukert said. "We made a mistake, that’s the bottom line."
Lukes was being held at the jail on a fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, charge and was ordered held on $5,000 bail, Sukert said. Upon return from his appearance in Clallam County Superior Court, Lukes was released along with several other prisoners being out processed from the jail.
Sukert said when inmates appear in court they return to the jail with paperwork giving information about bail and if they can be released. Lukes paperwork got mixed with the paperwork of inmates who were allowed to be released, he said.
The PENCOM dispatch center was immediately alerted and an attempt to locate (ATL) was issued.
The process of releasing inmates is now revised to require a jail sergeant review and sign off on all releases before they walk out the door, Sukert said.
Sukert said efforts by law enforcement have not yet resulted in Lukes return to custody.
The victims in the Lukes matter have been notified regarding his release and a warrant for Lukes arrest is being sought by the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact law enforcement if they have any information as to the current location of Lukes or if he is seen moving about in the community. He is described as a 35-year-old, white male, 6’2, 225 lbs, strawberry blond hair, blue eyes and last seen wearing a dark colored t-shirt.
