LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas authorities extradited Michelle Messer from Nevada on April 9 after they allege she helped Cody Chapin escape the Arkansas State Hospital in late March, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office.
She is being charged with furnishing prohibited articles and aiding unauthorized departure. No bond has been given.
Hospital officials say hospital psychological examiner Michelle Messer used her access to the hospital's forensic unit to walk Cody Chapin from the hospital Tuesday and leave in her personal car. Hospital officials have requested a bench warrant for the arrest of both.
Chapin was committed to the hospital after he was acquitted in 2015 by reason of mental illness of attempted kidnapping, theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle and drug possession. Court records show that he was given a 48-hour pass to leave with his father in February 2016 and fled the state. He remained a fugitive until he was recaptured in Las Vegas last October.
DHS said Messer will be terminated once located.
The DHS website says the hospital's 24-bed forensic service area assesses and treats patients with mental illnesses who are accused of a crime. The site says all people in the unit have been court-ordered to undergo evaluation or treatment.