Inmate’s Escape Foiled By Tattoo, Dona Ana Sheriff’s Office Says

An attempt to escape from the Dona Ana County Detention Center was foiled when an Inmate posing as another inmate was recognized as he was about to walk out of the Dona Ana County Detention Center after being released under an assumed identity.

Javier Molina, who is being held on a charge of robbery, saw his opportunity to escape when a person posted bond for another inmate. The other inmate was asleep when the detention staff called his name to be released, so Molina stood up and assumed the identity of the bonded-out inmate, Dona Ana Sheriff’s officials said.

Detention staff then processed Molina out of the Detention Center under the assumed name of the other inmate. Molina was a few feet away from freedom when a Detention Center sergeant recognized him and prevented the escape.

Molina’s Identity was confirmed through photographs and a tattoo on his stomach which reads “MOLINA.”

Molina was charged with forgery and attempt to escape from jail, both fourth degreee felonies, Forgery is the result of Molina signing official paperwork to complete the release.