IBERVILLE PARISH, La., Sept. 29 (UPI) — Authorities have launched a massive manhunt in Louisiana for a killer who was mistakenly released from prison last week — in what appears to be a computer clerical error, officials said Tuesday.
Benjeul Johnson, who was serving a 35-year sentence for manslaughter, was released from the Dixon Correctional Institute last Wednesday. But the clerical error wasn’t discovered until Monday, officials said.
Investigators said the computer had shown that Johnson was slated to be released for good behavior based only on his other charges — and that the manslaughter conviction, which would have precluded any release, did not show up on his profile.
Johnson, 32, posted a $10,000 bond and was released, officials said.
Authorities immediately began searching for Johnson on Monday. The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemine Police Department and the US Marshals Service are involved in the search.
WAFB-TV reported Tuesday that Johnson also had an outstanding charge for battery of a correctional officer. Johnson was released from the Dixon jail and transferred to the West Feliciana Parish detention center, where he was processed for the battery charge, the report said.
Johnson was arrested and pleaded guilty in the 2010 shooting death of Cordies Gales in Plaquemine, La., and sentenced to serve 35 years in prison in 2013. He was also given a five year term for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities encouraged the public to be on the lookout for Johnson and to contact police immediately if they spot him.
