The Chemung County Sheriffs Office is continuing its investigation into an attempted weekend escape from the Chemung County Jail that occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2008.

Albiso C. Muniz, 48, an inmate in the Chemung County Jail since July 5, 2007, was able to break loose a welded piece of steel used to construct the furniture within his cell which he then used to smash out the cell’s security window.

The particular cell in question is a prefabricated unit which is constructed off site and then delivered with plumbing hook-ups, a bed, desk and stool. Muniz then attempted to utilize the same piece of steel to remove the security bar also located within the window frame. Muniz is currently in the Chemung County Jail awaiting sentencing on a rape conviction.

Muniz has an extensive criminal history and has been moved to another maximum security housing unit within the facility.

The investigation into the attempted escape is continuing at this time and the Sheriffs Office’s Criminal Investigation Division is interviewing other inmates to ascertain possible involvement. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review and possible charges.

The lockdown of the facility was rescinded at 2:00 p.m. this Monday.